The renal system has two bean-shaped organs called kidneys. They help the body in excreting waste through urine. Before returning blood to the heart, they aid in filtering it. The kidneys carry out a variety of vital tasks, such as controlling and filtering blood minerals, removing waste products from food, drugs, and hazardous substances, and producing hormones that support the production of red blood cells, enhance bone health, and control blood pressure. The condition known as kidney cancer begins in the kidneys. It occurs when healthy kidney cells in one or both kidneys proliferate uncontrollably and cluster together.

Causes of Kidney Cancer

Although the actual origin of kidney cancer is unknown, genetic and environmental factors may be involved. Renal cancer involves specific alterations in kidney cell structure. A change in the DNA structure of cells can cause them to expand uncontrolled, which is how cancer begins. There will eventually develop a tumour. Oncogenes, which are genes that support cell growth, division, and survival, may be activated by the alterations. They may also disable tumour suppressor genes, which regulate cell division and aid in the timing of cell death. Multiple gene mutations may result in kidney cancer in a person.

Symptoms of Kidney Cancer

Although kidney cancer symptoms are uncommon in the early stages, some patients do still feel them, especially as the illness spreads. Renal cancer signs and symptoms include:

• Urine with blood in it
• Continually present side pain
• Abdomen-related lump
• Hunger loss
• Unaccounted-for weight loss
• Anaemia

Similar symptoms could be caused by other illnesses. One should call their doctor if they experience any of these signs.

Diagnosis of Kidney Cancer

The first stage in creating a kidney cancer treatment plan is obtaining a complete and accurate diagnosis of kidney cancer. In order to diagnose kidney cancer, assess the condition, and create your unique treatment plan, your multidisciplinary team of kidney cancer specialists will employ a range of tests and techniques. Imaging and laboratory tests will be used to track your treatment response over the course of your care and to adjust your plan as necessary.

Following are some of the procedures which help in diagnosing kidney cancer:

Kidney biopsy: If an imaging test shows evidence of a possible malignant tumour, a biopsy may be performed to determine if the mass is cancerous.

CT scan: A CT scan for kidney cancer uses X-ray images to present detailed images of the kidneys

MRI: It may be useful for kidney cancer detection and diagnosis, because it has greater soft tissue contrast than a CT scan.

PET/CT scan: A PET (positron emission tomography)/CT scan are an advanced nuclear imaging technique that combines CT scan technology with positron emission tomography into one machine.

Urinalysis: It may be used to look for blood in the urine. Because blood in the urine may be caused by an infection or other benign conditions, before making a cancer diagnosis, we examine the urine cells under a special microscope to help us detect cancerous activity.

Treatment of Kidney Cancer

The course of treatment for kidney cancer is determined by the disease's stage, the patient's age and general health, as well as other variables. To meet the needs of each patient, our experts create a treatment plan. Patients with kidney cancer are frequently treated by a multidisciplinary team at Satyadev Urology that consists of urologists, oncologists, and radiation oncologists. Biological therapy, often known as immunotherapy or surgery is typically used to treat kidney cancer. One treatment approach or a combination of treatment strategies may be chosen by doctors.

Surgery: The most frequent form of treatment for kidney cancer is surgery. Nephrectomy is the medical term for a surgery to remove the kidney. The surgeon often removes the entire kidney, the adrenal gland, and any surrounding tissue.

Radiation Therapy: High-energy rays are used in radiation therapy to eliminate cancer cells. When kidney cancer has progressed to the bone, doctors occasionally provide radiation therapy as palliative care to treat the discomfort.

Biological Therapy: A method of treatment known as biological therapy, sometimes known as immunotherapy, makes use of the immune system to help the body fight cancer. Advanced kidney cancer is treated with biological therapies like interleukin-2 and interferon.

Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is the practise of using medications to eradicate cancer cells. Chemotherapy has demonstrated relatively modest success against kidney cancer, despite being effective in the treatment of many other malignancies.

Hormone therapy: A tiny number of individuals with advanced kidney cancer receive hormone therapy. Hormone therapy may be used to treat some kidney cancers in an effort to slow the spread of cancer cells.

Conclusion

One kidney alone is where kidney cancer usually first manifests itself. Early signs like back pain or blood in your urine could still exist. It's crucial to maintain your yearly wellness examinations and to contact Satyadev Urology as soon as you notice any unexpected symptoms.

Although there is no proven cause for kidney cancer, a number of things, including smoking, being overweight and eating poorly, can raise your risk. Discuss with our doctor any potential risk factors you may have for kidney cancer as well as your treatment options in the event that you are given a diagnosis.