Kidney cancer develops when abnormal cells in the kidney begin to grow uncontrollably. In some cases, kidney tumors are discovered incidentally during imaging performed for an unrelated health concern.
Early diagnosis can help doctors determine the appropriate treatment strategy.
Kidney cancer is part of the uro-oncology services offered by Dr. Vivek Chaudhari’s practice.
What Is Kidney Cancer?
The kidneys are responsible for several important functions, including filtering waste products from the blood and producing urine.
Kidney cancer occurs when abnormal cells develop within kidney tissue and begin multiplying uncontrollably.
One of the most common forms is renal cell carcinoma.
Symptoms of Kidney Cancer
Early kidney cancer may not cause obvious symptoms.
Possible symptoms include:
- Blood in urine
- Persistent pain in the side or lower back
- Unexplained weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Persistent tiredness
- Fever without an obvious cause
- A lump or mass in the abdomen
- Changes in urinary symptoms
However, these symptoms can also occur with several other conditions. Blood in urine, in particular, should always be medically evaluated.
Risk Factors
Factors associated with kidney cancer can include:
- Smoking
- Obesity
- High blood pressure
- Family history
- Certain inherited conditions
- Long-term kidney disease
- Increasing age
Having a risk factor does not mean that a person will definitely develop cancer.
How Is Kidney Cancer Diagnosed?
Doctors may use:
Ultrasound:
Can identify abnormalities or masses in the kidney.
CT scan:
Provides detailed images and can help assess the size and location of a kidney tumor.
MRI:
May be used in selected situations when additional imaging information is required.
Blood and urine tests:
These can provide information about kidney function and general health.
Further evaluation is determined by the treating medical team.
Kidney Cancer Treatment
Treatment depends on factors such as:
- Tumor size
- Tumor location
- Whether cancer has spread
- Overall kidney function
- General health
- Patient-specific factors
Partial Nephrectomy
In selected patients, only the tumor and a small amount of surrounding tissue may be removed while preserving the remaining healthy kidney tissue.
Radical Nephrectomy
In some situations, removal of the entire affected kidney may be recommended.
Dr. Chaudhari’s uro-oncology services include surgical management of kidney cancer, with minimally invasive approaches listed among the available techniques.
Why Early Evaluation Matters
Kidney tumors can sometimes be discovered before symptoms appear.
For this reason, an unexpected kidney mass on an imaging scan should not be ignored. A urologist can evaluate the finding and determine whether additional testing or treatment is necessary.
Conclusion
Kidney cancer treatment has advanced considerably, and the appropriate treatment varies from one patient to another.
If you notice blood in your urine, persistent unexplained side pain or another concerning symptom, consult a qualified medical professional rather than attempting to self-diagnose.
A urologist can evaluate the condition and discuss appropriate diagnostic and treatment options.