Kidney Cancer Treatment in Mumbai, India

Kidney cancer is a condition in which cells in kidney tissue grow abnormally. These cells eventually combine to form a mass known as a tumour. Cancer starts when an alteration in the cells causes them to divide uncontrollably. A malignant or cancerous tumour can spread to other tissues and important organs, a process known as metastasis.

Types Of Kidney Cancer

• Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC): This type of kidney cancer makes up 85% of all kidney cancers and is the most prevalent in adults. Although it can affect both kidneys, renal cell carcinoma often appears as a single tumour in one kidney.
• Transitional Cell Carcinoma: Another name for this is urothelial cancer. It begins at the junction of the kidney and ureter. We refer to this region as the renal pelvis. This kind of kidney cancer can mimic the appearance and behaviour of bladder cancer.
• Wilms’ Tumour: Children are almost always the ones who get this cancer. In adults, it is pretty uncommon.
• Renal Sarcoma: It starts in the connective tissue and blood arteries surrounding the kidneys.

Kidney Cancer Symptoms 

Initially, kidney cancer typically shows no signs. Over time, symptoms and indicators could appear, such as:

• Blood in the urine could have a cola, pink, or red hue
• Appetite loss
• Side or back pain that is persistent
• Fatigue
• Inexplicable loss of weight

Kidney Cancer Causes

The risk of kidney cancer is increased by smoking, and the longer a person smokes, the higher the risk.

• Obesity: An increased risk of kidney cancer is associated with being overweight.
• High Blood Pressure: Kidney cancer risk is increased by hypertension.
• Family History: An individual's risk may be increased if kidney cancer runs in their family.
• Radiation Therapy: Women who get radiation treatment for malignancies of the reproductive system may be at slightly increased risk.
• Gene Alterations (Mutations): Genetic alterations may raise the risk of kidney cancer.
• Dialysis for Renal Failure: It can increase the risk of kidney cancer if it is used for an extended period.
• Tuberous Sclerosis: This disease raises the risk of kidney cancer by developing tumours in several organs.
• Von Hippel-Lindau Disease: This hereditary condition increases the risk because it causes blood vessel noncancerous tumours.

Kidney Cancer Diagnosis

Blood & Urine Tests

Blood and urine tests may help your healthcare team determine the cause of your symptoms.

Imaging Tests

Images of the body are created during imaging exams. They can display the size and location of kidney cancer. Tests could be MRI, CT, or ultrasound.

Biopsy

The process of taking a tissue sample for laboratory analysis is called a biopsy. A tiny needle is sent into the kidney or another body component, like the lymph nodes, to check for kidney cancer.

Kidney Cancer Stages

• The next step after receiving a kidney cancer diagnosis is to ascertain the stage or extent of the disease.
• Your healthcare team uses the results of the cancer staging test to develop your treatment strategy.
• Additional CT and MRI scans may be included in the kidney cancer staging testing.
• Kidney cancer might be in one of four stages. Stage 1 is tiny and just affects the kidney.
• The stages increase with the size of the tumour. When kidney cancer reaches stage 4, it has either spread to other regions of the body or grown outside of the kidney.

Kidney Cancer Treatment

1. Surgery

The most frequent treatment for kidney cancer is surgery, which can cure the majority of patients with early-stage (stages 1, 2, and 3) cancer.

2. Partial Nephrectomy

To preserve as much of the kidney as feasible, the tumour or the affected portion of the kidney is removed during a partial nephrectomy.

3. Radical Nephrectomy

A radical nephrectomy involves the removal of the kidney in its entirety. The lymph nodes and surrounding tissues may also be removed if necessary.

4. Surgical Approaches

• Open: Conventional surgery involving a lengthy incision.
• Laparoscopic: Surgery performed with thin implements for smaller incisions and a video camera.
• Robotic: Laparoscopic surgery performed with a robot's assistance.

Kidney Cancer Prevention

Stop Smoking

Kidney cancer risk may rise as a result of smoking. Doctors at NYU Langone encourage smokers to give up, and they provide successful tobacco cessation programs to assist you in doing so.

Maintain A Healthy Weight

An elevated risk of kidney cancer is associated with being overweight. Too much weight can alter hormones like insulin, raise blood sugar levels, and harm the kidneys.

Control High Blood Pressure

Hypertension, another name for high blood pressure, may increase your risk of kidney cancer. Physicians are uncertain whether the elevated risk is due to the illness or the drugs used to treat it.

Reduce Chemical Exposure 

Kidney cancer risk has been linked to exposure to industrial minerals and chemicals, including cadmium and asbestos.

Complications of Kidney Cancer

• Gross Haematuria: This refers to the presence of bloody urine, which is a less common initial sign of kidney cancer, although it eventually affects one in five people.
• Pleural Effusion: A buildup of fluid between the membranes lining the lungs (the pleura) may result from kidney cancer spreading to the lungs or their lining. When cancer cells are present, this is called a malignant pleural effusion.
• Pathological Fractures: When metastases are present, bone discomfort may be an early sign of kidney cancer. When cancer spreads to the bone, it weakens it and can cause fractures with little to no damage. They are called pathologic fractures.
• Increased Blood Pressure: The kidneys largely control blood pressure. Chronic high blood pressure and even extremely difficult-to-control blood pressure can be caused by kidney cancer.
• Hypercalcemia: Both paraneoplastic disease and bone destruction with bone metastases might increase blood calcium levels.
• Increased Red Blood Cell Count: Although anaemia is frequent in the early stages of kidney cancer, erythrocytosis, or a high red blood cell count, may occur. This happens because the cancer cells create the protein that encourages the bone marrow to make red blood cells.
• Liver Insufficiency: Both the spread of kidney cancer and the development of a paraneoplastic disease can impact the liver.

Recovery After Kidney Cancer Surgery

Here are some dos and don'ts for recovery after kidney cancer surgery:

Dos

• Consume a lot of water
• Maintain a generally healthy diet
• Obtain enough sleep
• If you suffer from constipation, increase your consumption of fibre

Don’ts

• Lift anything that weighs more than 10 pounds
• Bend over
• Do strenuous activities
• Drive

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. How Does Kidney Cancer Typically Spread?

Through the circulation or lymphatic system, kidney cancer can metastasise or spread to other organs such as the liver, lungs, bones, or lymph nodes.

2. What Lifestyle Changes Can Help Prevent Kidney Cancer?

Kidney cancer risk can be decreased by maintaining a healthy weight, exercising, abstaining from smoking, managing blood pressure, and consuming alcohol in moderation.

3. How Can Family Members Support Someone With Kidney Cancer?

During treatment, family members can accompany them to appointments, assist with everyday chores, offer emotional support, and promote healthy lifestyle choices.

4. What Should I Expect During a Kidney Cancer Biopsy?

A little tissue sample is taken from the kidney using a needle during a kidney cancer biopsy. It may result in discomfort or bruising and is often performed under local anaesthesia under imaging guidance.

5. Can Kidney Cancer Be Cured?

If kidney cancer is identified early and treated correctly, which frequently involves surgery, it can be cured. Although advanced instances are less likely to be fully cured, they can still be treated.

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