Overview of Kidney Cancer

Causes and Risk Factors:

The exact cause of kidney cancer remains unknown, but certain factors increase the risk of developing it:

ø Smoking: Smokers are two to three times more likely to develop kidney cancer than non-smokers.
ø Obesity: If your body is on the heavier side, know that excess weight is linked to an increased risk of various cancers, including kidney cancer.
ø High blood pressure: Chronically elevated blood pressure can damage the kidneys and contribute to cancer development.
ø Family history: Having a family member with kidney cancer increases your risk slightly.
ø Certain medications: Long-term use of pain relievers like ibuprofen or naproxen may increase the risk.
ø Environmental factors: Exposure to certain chemicals like asbestos or trichloroethylene may play a role.

Signs and Symptoms of Kidney Cancer:

Early-stage kidney cancer often presents with no noticeable symptoms. However, as the cancer progresses, individuals may experience:

• Blood in the urine (hematuria)
• Flank pain (persistent pain between the ribs and hip)
• A lump or mass in the abdomen or side
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Night sweats
• High blood pressure
• Anemia

Stages of Kidney Cancer:

Kidney doctors use a staging system to determine the extent of cancer spread, guiding treatment decisions. The four main stages are:
stage I: Confined to the kidney
stage II: Extended beyond the kidney but within the surrounding tissue
stage III : Spread to lymph nodes or blood vessels outside the kidney
stage IV: Spread to distant organs like lungs, liver, or bones

Treatment options for Kidney Cancer:

Depending on the stage and location of the cancer, various surgical approaches may be considered:

• Partial nephrectomy: Removal of only the cancerous portion of the kidney, preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.
• Radical nephrectomy: Removal of the entire affected kidney and surrounding tissue, including lymph nodes.
• Robotic-assisted surgery: Minimally invasive technique using robotic arms controlled by the surgeon for increased precision and dexterity.

Before Surgery:

Preparation for surgery involves pre-operative assessments, anesthesia discussions, and potential blood product transfusions.

After Surgery Care and Recovery:

Following surgery, regular follow-up appointments are crucial to monitor cancer recurrence and manage any side effects. Recovery time varies depending on the type and extent of surgery. Most individuals can resume routine activities within a few weeks, although complete healing may take several months.

FAQs on kidney cancer:

• What are the chances of kidney cancer spreading after diagnosis?
The extent of cancer spread depends on person to person. Further, regular follow-up with kidney doctor Early detection is crucial for improving the chances of successful treatment.
• Is kidney cancer fatal?
It’s curable cancer dependent on stage, grade, and histopathology variant.
• Can kidney cancer be cured completely?
Kidney cancer can often be cured and the extent of cure is dependent on its stage, grade, and other variants.
• Do kidney cancer symptoms come and go?
Yes! It may happen.

At NU Hospitals, we encourage early detection as it helps in formulating a personalized treatment plan as kidney tumours manifest differently in different individuals.

Visit our website to book an appointment with us or walk in at our Bangalore hospital or any other branch suitable for you.