Introduction

Kidney cancer, medically known as renal cancer, is a serious condition that originates in the kidneys, two bean-shaped organs responsible for filtering waste from the blood and producing urine. While kidney cancer was once considered rare, its incidence has been steadily rising over the years, especially among older adults.

What Is Kidney Cancer?

Kidney cancer is a type of cancer where abnormal cells in one or both kidneys grow uncontrollably and form a mass known as a tumor. Among these, RCC (Renal Cell Carcinoma) accounts for more than 85% of the total.

Kinds of Kidney Cancer:

• RCC-It affects adults the most.
• Transitional Cell Carcinoma-The disease tends to have an impact on the renal pelvis.
• Wilms Tumor-It is mostly found in children.
• Renal Sarcoma-Rare disease. This arises in connective tissue.

Symptoms of Kidney Cancer

Kidney cancer often shows no early signs. It’s frequently detected during routine scans for unrelated issues. However, as the disease progresses, the following symptoms of kidney cancer may appear:

• Blood in urine (hematuria) – pink, red, or cola-colored urine
• Persistent pain in the side or back
• A lump or mass in the kidney area
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue and weakness
• Loss of appetite
• Intermittent fever not linked to infection
• Anemia (low red blood cell count)

What Causes Kidney Cancer?

While the exact cause of kidney cancer is still being studied, several risk factors increase the chances of developing it:

• Smoking – Doubles the risk of RCC
• Obesity – Linked to hormonal changes that may promote cancer growth
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Family history – Especially hereditary syndromes like von Hippel-Lindau disease
• Long-term dialysis
• Occupational exposure – Asbestos, cadmium, and some types of herbicides

How Is Kidney Cancer Diagnosed?

Diagnostic Tests Include:

1. Imaging Tests

• First-line test - Ultrasound
• Determination of tumor size, location, and spread by CT Scan / MRI

2. Urinalysis

• Blood or cancer cells in urine

3. Blood Tests

• Assessment of kidney function
• Preparation to look for anemia or high calcium levels

4. Biopsy

• Sometimes a sample of kidney tissue is needed to confirm cancer type

5. Staging Tests

• To determine if the cancer has spread to lymph nodes or other organs

Stages of Kidney Cancer

Understanding the stage of kidney cancer helps doctors decide the best treatment plan. The TNM system (Tumor, Node, Metastasis) is often used to classify stages:

Stage I

• Tumor size ≤7 cm, confined to the kidney
• High cure rate with surgery

Stage II

• Tumor >7 cm but still within the kidney

Stage III

• Cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes or major veins

Stage IV

• Cancer has spread beyond the kidney (metastatic kidney cancer)

Is Kidney Cancer Curable?

Yes, especially when detected early. For localized tumors (Stages I and II), the 5-year survival rate is more than 90%. With advanced stages, newer therapies help control the disease and improve quality of life.

Treatment Options for Kidney Cancer

1. Surgery

The primary treatment for kidney cancer.

• Partial Nephrectomy – Removal of only the tumor, preserving kidney function
• Radical Nephrectomy – Removal of the entire kidney, sometimes with nearby tissues

2. Targeted Therapy

Drugs that target specific proteins in cancer cells. Examples: Sunitinib, Pazopanib, Axitinib

3. Immunotherapy

Boosts the body’s immune system to fight cancer cells.

Example: Nivolumab, Pembrolizumab

4. Radiation Therapy

Used rarely but may help relieve symptoms in advanced cases.

5. Ablation Techniques

• Cryoablation – Freezing cancer cells
• Radiofrequency Ablation – Using heat to destroy the tumor

Kidney Cancer in Women vs. Men

Kidney cancer is more common in men than women. However, women often experience more subtle symptoms. Hormonal differences, obesity, and smoking rates contribute to gender-based variation.

Women should be cautious if they notice unexplained lower back pain, fatigue, or blood in urine often misattributed to UTIs or menstruation.

Life After Kidney Cancer: Recovery and Monitoring

Survivors need regular follow-ups to monitor recurrence or manage side effects. The typical post-treatment care plan includes:

• Imaging scans every 3–6 months (initially)
• Blood and urine tests
• Lifestyle changes – healthy diet, stop smoking, weight control
• Psychological support or cancer counseling

Preventive Measures

While most risk factors cannot be controlled, lifestyle changes minimize your incidence of kidney cancer:

• Quit smoking
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Control blood pressure
• Avoid dehydration and overuse of pain medication
• Avoid harmful chemicals in the work place

Conclusion

Kidney cancer can be silent, but early detection can make all the difference. If you notice any unusual symptoms, don’t ignore them seek medical help. With the right treatment and timely care, recovery is possible. At Neotia Getwel Multispecialty Hospital, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Disclaimer

Though all attempts are made to provide correct information on the subject, inadvertent & typographical errors arising out of manual intervention cannot be ruled out. It is requested to bring any such discrepancies to the notice of the blogger for correction.