Kidney Cancer: Symptoms, Signs, Causes & Treatment

 The kidneys are a pair of bean-shaped organs located in the back of the abdomen. They filter blood and remove wastes. When kidney cancer is found at an early stage, it is often treated with surgery, depending on the tumour's size and location. A partial nephrectomy may be performed if the tumour is small and confined to one area of the kidney. Radical nephrectomy removes the entire kidney, surrounding tissue, and nearby lymph nodes.  

 

What is kidney cancer? 

Kidney cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the kidney. There are two main types of kidney cancer: renal cell carcinoma and transitional cell carcinoma. Renal cell carcinoma is the most common type of kidney cancer. Transitional cell carcinoma makes up a small percentage of kidney cancers. 

 

Symptoms of kidney cancer 

Most kidney cancers do not cause any symptoms in the early stages. The most common symptom is blood in the urine (hematuria). However, this can also be a symptom of other conditions and is not necessarily indicative of kidney cancer.  

Other potential symptoms may include: 

 -Fatigue 

 -Loss of appetite 

 -Weight loss 

 -Abdominal pain or lump 

 -Frequent urination or difficulty urinating 

 -Swelling in the ankles or legs 

 -Persistent back pain 

 

Causes of kidney cancer 

Several risk factors can increase the chance of developing kidney cancer, including:  

  • Smoking: Smoking is the most critical risk factor for kidney cancer. People who smoke are twice as likely to develop kidney cancer as non-smokers. Quitting smoking reduces the risk of developing kidney cancer. 

  • Obesity: Being obese or overweight is a risk factor for renal cell carcinoma. People who are obese have a 50% higher risk of developing this type of kidney cancer than people who are not obese. Maintaining a healthy weight may help reduce the risk of renal cell carcinoma. 

 

Treatment for kidney cancer 

Several options are provided by the renowned Cancer Hospital in Calicut, namely, the American Oncology Institute (AOI). The options available depend on the stage and type of cancer.  

Treatment options include: 

  • Surgery - It is the most common treatment for kidney cancer. Surgery can remove the entire kidney (nephrectomy) or the tumour (partial nephrectomy). 

  • Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to kill cancer cells. It can be used alone or in combination with surgery. 

  • Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. It is usually given after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells. 

  • Targeted therapy uses drugs that target specific molecules involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells. 

  • Immunotherapy strengthens the body's immune system to help it fight against cancer cells. 

 

The side effects of kidney cancer treatmentcan vary depending on the type of treatment received.  

 

Kidney cancer specialists at American Oncology Institute (AOI) 

If diagnosed, kidney cancer treatment will depend on several factors, including the stage of the disease, overall health, and preferences. All this will be decided by the team of specialists at the renowned Cancer Hospital in Calicut, namely, the AOI. This Institute has a prominent team of Oncologists that provide a wide range of medical procedures that meet international standards in terms of quality and precision. 

 

Conclusion 

If there are any symptoms of kidney cancer, it's essential to visit the Cancer Hospital in Calicut immediately. Early detection is key to successful treatment, so one should not delay getting checked out. While there is no sure-fire way to prevent kidney cancer, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is an excellent way to lower the risk. Moreover, the AOI stands at the forefront of treatment excellence offering precision cancer care for all types of cancers for all age groups and genders.

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