Kidney Cancer

Kidney Cancer Treatment

Kidney Cancer and Treatment Methods

Kidney cancer arises from the cells of the kidney and is usually found in its upper portion. When detected early and treated appropriately, this type of cancer generally responds well. This article covers kidney cancer, its symptoms, how it is diagnosed and the treatment options available.

Symptoms

Kidney cancer usually produces no symptoms in the early stages and is often discovered incidentally while investigating another health problem. In more advanced cases the following may appear:

• Blood in the urine (haematuria)
• Pain in the back or side
• A feeling of swelling
• Sudden weight loss
• Fatigue and weakness
• Loss of appetite
• Fever

If any of these are present or suspected, it is important to consult a health professional.

Diagnostic Methods

A range of imaging tests and laboratory studies are used to diagnose kidney cancer:

• Ultrasound (US): used for detailed imaging of the kidneys.
• Computed Tomography (CT): allows the kidneys to be examined in cross-sectional images.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): provides detailed images, as CT does.
• Renal arteriography and venography: used to image the blood vessels of the kidney.
• Biopsy: a sample is taken from the suspicious tissue to confirm the cancer.

Treatment Options

Treatment is determined by the patient’s general health, the stage of the cancer and other factors. Options may include:

• Surgery: surgical removal of the kidney tumour is an effective way of preventing the cancer from spreading.
• Radiotherapy: the use of high-energy beams to destroy cancer cells.
• Chemotherapy: used in some cases of kidney cancer, though less commonly than in other cancer types.
• Targeted drug therapy: drugs that act directly on the cancer cells.
• Immunotherapy: used to prompt the immune system to fight the cancer.

Treating kidney cancer requires a multidisciplinary approach and may bring together an oncologist, a urologist and other specialists. The treatment plan should be tailored to the individual patient.

Preventive Measures

Reducing certain risk factors is important in protecting against kidney cancer. Leading a healthy lifestyle, avoiding tobacco and alcohol, exercising regularly and following a healthy diet can all lower the risk.

In summary, when kidney cancer is detected early and managed with appropriate treatment, the chances of success are high. Regular health checks and taking possible symptoms seriously early on both matter. If there is any suspicion, consult a health professional for a detailed assessment.