Radical nephrectomy / nephroureterectomy or partial nephrectomy is needed for a range of problems including lumps in the kidney confirmed to be / suspicious for cancer, cancer of inner lining of the ureter or kidney, a poorly functioning kidney that is causing symptoms.

A partial nephrectomy is needed for treating lumps in the kidney confirmed or suspicious for cancer. By removing the part of kidney with the cancer only, the overall kidney function can be preserved better than removal of the whole kidney.