Robotic Kidney Cancer Surgery in Delhi & Gurgaon
Understanding Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention of Kidney Cancer
Illustration showing kidney anatomy and cancer development
What is Kidney Cancer?
Kidney cancer is the abnormal growth of cells in your kidney tissue. In time, these cells form a mass called a tumor. Cancer begins when something triggers a change in the cells, and they divide out of control.
A cancerous or malignant tumor can spread to other tissues and vital organs. When this happens, it's called metastasis.
What are the types of kidney cancer?
Renal cell carcinoma (RCC)
Most common form (85% of cases). Usually develops as a single tumor in one kidney. Begins in cells that line kidney's tubules.
Transitional cell cancer
Accounts for 6% to 7% of cases. Usually begins where ureter connects to kidney (renal pelvis).
Renal sarcoma
Least common form (1% of cases). Begins in connective tissues of kidneys.
Wilms tumor
Most common type in children. Accounts for about 5% of kidney cancers.
Symptoms and Causes
What are the signs of kidney cancer?
Kidney cancer may not produce any noticeable symptoms in its early stages. But as the tumor grows, symptoms may begin to appear. For that reason, kidney cancer often isn't diagnosed until it has begun to spread.
Kidney cancer symptoms may include:
- Blood in your pee (hematuria)
- A lump or mass in kidney area
- Flank pain
- Tiredness
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Low-grade fever
- Bone pain
- High blood pressure
- Anemia
What is the primary cause of kidney cancer?
The exact cause of kidney cancer isn't known, but there are certain risk factors that may increase your chances.
Diagnosis and Tests
How is kidney cancer diagnosed?
Urinalysis
Test urine for blood (even microscopic)
Blood tests
Check blood cells, electrolytes, kidney function
CT scan
Detailed X-ray images with contrast dye
MRI
Magnetic imaging for detailed views
Ultrasound
Sound waves to detect tumors
Renal mass biopsy
Tissue sample for microscopic examination
What are the kidney cancer stages?
Stage I
Tumor ≤7cm, only in kidney
Stage II
Tumor greater than 7cm, only in kidney
Stage III
Spread to blood vessels or nearby lymph nodes
Stage IV
Spread to adrenal gland or distant organs
Tumor Grading
Tumors are also graded based on how abnormal cells look and how fast they're likely to grow. High-grade tumors have cells that don't look normal and divide rapidly, tending to grow and spread more quickly than low-grade tumors.
Management and Treatment
How is kidney cancer treated?
Kidney cancer treatment depends on the stage and grade of the tumor, as well as your age and overall health. Options include surgery, ablation, radiation therapy, targeted drug therapy, immunotherapy and sometimes chemotherapy.
Surgical Options
Partial nephrectomy
Surgeon removes only the part of kidney containing tumor
Radical nephrectomy
Surgeon removes entire kidney and some surrounding tissue
Note: When one kidney is removed, the remaining kidney is usually able to perform the work of both kidneys.
Key Takeaways
Detection & Symptoms
- • Often asymptomatic in early stages
- • Blood in urine is common sign
- • Usually diagnosed after spread begins
- • Regular check-ups important for high-risk individuals
Treatment & Prevention
- • Surgery is primary treatment
- • Treatment depends on stage and grade
- • Remaining kidney can compensate if one removed
- • Avoid smoking and maintain healthy weight