Kidney Cancer

Pancreatic Cancer Doctor in Kolkata

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Kidney Cancer

Home / Treatment / Urologic Cancer / Kidney Cancer
Kidney Cancer

Kidney Cancer Doctor in Kolkata

Kidney cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in the kidney tissue, eventually forming a mass known as a tumour. Early detection is beneficial, as kidney cancer responds well to treatment when caught early. Regular check-ups are essential, especially for those at higher risk. Contact the kidney oncologist in Kolkata for a thorough diagnosis and treatment of this condition.

Symptoms of Kidney Cancer

Symptoms of kidney cancer may include:

  • Blood in the urine (hematuria)
  • A lump or mass in the kidney area
  • Pain in the side or lower back (flank pain)
  • Fatigue
  • A general feeling of being unwell
  • Loss of appetite
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Low-grade fever
  • Bone pain
  • High blood pressure
  • Anaemia
  • Elevated calcium levels in the blood (hypercalcemia)

If you have been experiencing these symptoms for a long time, consult a kidney oncologist in Kolkata for a thorough evaluation and treatment.

Causes of Kidney Cancer

Factors that may increase the risk of developing kidney cancer include:

Age

The risk of kidney cancer increases as you get older.

Smoking

Smokers have a higher risk of kidney cancer compared to non-smokers. However, this risk decreases after quitting.

Obesity

Individuals who are overweight or obese have a greater risk of kidney cancer than those with a healthy weight.

High Blood Pressure

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is one of the reasons for kidney cancer development.

Inherited Conditions

Certain genetic conditions, such as renal cell carcinoma and familial renal cancer, can raise the risk of kidney cancer.

Family History

Having a close relative, like a parent or sibling, with kidney cancer increases your own risk of developing the disease.
Causes of Kidney Cancer
Types of Kidney Cancer

Types of Kidney Cancer

The types of kidney cancer are as follows:

Prostate Cancer

The most common form of kidney cancer, accounting for about 90% of cases. RCC originates in the lining of the kidney’s small tubules and includes several subtypes:

  • Clear Cell RCC:

    The most common subtype, characterised by clear or pale cells.

  • Papillary RCC:

    Forms finger-like projections in the tumour and is the second most common subtype.

  • Chromophobe RCC:

    A rare subtype with larger, pale cancer cells.

  • Collecting Duct RCC:

    A very rare and aggressive form of RCC.

Urothelial Carcinoma (Transitional Cell Carcinoma)

Begins in the renal pelvis, where urine collects before passing to the bladder. It resembles bladder cancer and accounts for 5-10% of kidney cancer cases.

Wilms Tumour (Nephroblastoma)

A rare type of kidney cancer that primarily affects children, usually under the age of 5. It’s the most common kidney cancer in paediatric patients.

Renal Sarcoma

A rare cancer that starts in the connective tissues or blood vessels of the kidneys, accounting for less than 1% of kidney cancer cases.

Medullary Carcinoma

A highly aggressive and rare type of kidney cancer, usually affecting younger individuals, particularly those with sickle cell trait.
Types of Kidney Cancer

Stages of Kidney Cancer

The stages of kidney cancer are classified using the TNM system (Tumour, Nodes, Metastasis), and there are four main stages:

Stage 1

Tumour Size:

The tumour is small, usually 7 cm (about 2.75 inches) or smaller, and confined to the kidney.

Spread:

It has not spread to lymph nodes or other organs.

Stage 2

Tumour Size:

The tumour is larger than 7 cm, but still limited to the kidney.

Spread:

No spread to lymph nodes or distant organs.

Stage 3

Tumour Size:

The tumour may be any size and has started to extend beyond the kidney.

Spread:

  • May have spread to nearby lymph nodes.
  • May involve the major blood vessels around the kidney, such as the renal vein or vena cava, but not distant organs.

Stage 4

Tumour Size:

The tumour may be large and has spread beyond the kidney.

Spread:

The cancer has spread to distant lymph nodes or other organs, such as the lungs, bones, or liver (metastasis).

Diagnosis of Kidney Cancer

Diagnosis of Kidney Cancer

Diagnosing kidney cancer involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests. Here’s an overview of the common methods used for diagnosis:

Medical History and Physical Examination

History:

The doctor will ask about symptoms such as blood in the urine (hematuria), pain in the lower back, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, or fever.

Physical Exam:

The doctor may check for swelling or a lump in the abdomen, and look for other signs of kidney dysfunction or general health issues.

Imaging Tests

These are essential for visualising the kidneys and detecting abnormalities.

Ultrasound:

Often the first test used, ultrasound helps detect solid masses or cysts in the kidney.

CT Scan (Computed Tomography):

A more detailed imaging method to determine the size, location, and extent of the tumour. It’s often used to assess whether the cancer has spread.

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging):

Used in cases where more detailed imaging is needed or if the CT scan is not ideal (e.g., for patients allergic to contrast dye).

Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP):

A series of X-rays taken after injecting a dye into a vein, allowing the kidneys, ureters, and bladder to be visible.

Urine Tests

Urinalysis:

Examines the urine for blood or abnormal cells, which can indicate kidney cancer.

Urine Cytology:

Looks for cancer cells in the urine, which can be an indicator if the cancer involves the urinary tract.

Blood Tests

Complete Blood Count (CBC):

May reveal anaemia (low red blood cells) or other blood abnormalities.

Kidney Function Tests:

Blood tests like creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels help evaluate kidney function and can indicate if the kidneys are working properly.

Blood Chemistry:

Elevated calcium or liver enzymes may suggest the presence of metastasis.

Biopsy (Rarely Used)

Needle Biopsy

: Although not always required, in some cases, a small tissue sample from the kidney is taken using a needle to confirm the diagnosis. Imaging guides the needle to the tumour, and the tissue is then examined under a microscope.

Genetic Testing

These are used in certain cases, especially if there’s a family history of kidney cancer or genetic syndromes. It helps identify mutations that increase cancer risk.

PET Scan (Positron Emission Tomography)

A PET scan may be used in specific cases to determine whether the cancer has spread to other organs by highlighting areas of high metabolic activity, such as cancer cells.

Treatments of Kidney Cancer

Kidney cancer treatments depend on the stage, size, and spread of the cancer, as well as the patient’s overall health. Here are the main treatments for kidney cancer.

Targeted Therapy

Targeted drugs interfere with specific pathways that cancer cells use to grow and spread. These therapies are often used for advanced or metastatic kidney cancer (stage 4).

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy helps the body’s immune system recognize and destroy cancer cells, and it is often used for advanced kidney cancer.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation is not commonly used to treat kidney cancer, as it is generally not effective for primary kidney tumours. However, it can be used to control symptoms or relieve pain in cases of metastasis, especially when cancer spreads to the bones or brain.

Chemotherapy

Kidney cancer is generally resistant to chemotherapy, so it is rarely used as a first-line treatment. However, it may be considered in combination with other treatments for certain types of kidney cancer (like transitional cell carcinoma).

The kidney oncologist in Kolkata will offer you the best treatment for your condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a cure for kidney cancer?

Yes, kidney cancer can be cured, particularly in the early stages (stages 1 and 2). Factors influencing the likelihood of a cure include the stage at diagnosis, tumour size and overall health of the patient.

Are there differences in survival rates based on the type of kidney cancer?

Yes, the most common type, clear cell carcinoma, often has different outcomes compared to less common types like papillary or chromophobe carcinoma, with variations in prognosis and treatment effectiveness. Hence, survival rates of kidney cancer types vary.

What are the common symptoms of stage 4 kidney cancer?

Common symptoms include persistent pain in the back or side, blood in urine, weight loss, fatigue, anaemia, and symptoms related to metastasis (like bone pain, respiratory issues, or neurological symptoms).

What are the usual symptoms of stage 1 kidney cancer?

Many patients may not exhibit noticeable symptoms at stage 1. However, some might experience mild back pain, hematuria (blood in urine), or a palpable mass in the abdomen.

How does the recovery rate vary by the stage of kidney cancer?

Early-stage kidney cancer has much higher recovery rates compared to advanced stages, with stage 4 having significantly lower recovery probabilities due to the spread of the disease.