Cancer of the Kidney

There are several types of cancer found in the kidneys. Renal cell carcinoma (RCCA), the most common form, accounts for approximately 85% of all cases. In RCCA, cancer (malignant) cells develop in the lining of the kidney's tubules and grow into a tumor. In most cases, a single tumor develops, although more than one tumor can develop within one or both kidneys.

Early diagnosis of kidney cancer is important. As with most types of cancer, the earlier the tumor is discovered, the better is the patient's chances for survival. Tumors discovered at an early stage often respond well to treatment. Survival rates in such cases are high. Tumors that have grown large or spread (metastasized) through the bloodstream or lymphatic system to other parts of the body are more difficult to treat and present an increased risk for mortality.

Studies have shown that certain lifestyle factors can increase the risk of developing kidney tumors. Smoking, having high blood pressure, eating a high-fat diet, and being overweight all may contribute to an increased risk of kidney cancer.

RISK FACTORS

Although we do not know all the causes of kidney cancer, the following factors can also increase the risk of developing this disease:

* long-term dialysis, a process in which a machine filters the blood of a person without functioning kidneys

* exposure to asbestos, such as occupational exposure

* exposure to cadmium, a metal that can increase the cancer-causing effect of smoking

* a family history of kidney cancer

* von Hippel-Lindau disease, a syndrome caused by a genetic mutation that leads to multiple tumors in the kidney, often at an early age

* tuberous sclerosis, a disease characterized by several bumps on the skin, seizures, mental retardation, and cysts in the kidneys, liver, and pancreas

SYMPTOMS

Kidney cancer usually shows no symptoms in the early stages. It is generally not suspected until the patient begins to experience symptoms, and at this point the tumor may have grown fairly large.

As the cancer progresses, symptoms may include some of the following:

* Abdominal mass or lump
* Blood in the urine (hematuria)
* Fever
* High blood pressure (hypertension)
* Pain in the side (flank) or lower back not associated with injury
* Persistent fatigue
* Rapid, unexplained weight loss
* Swelling (edema) in the legs and ankles

DIAGNOSIS

Blood tests :
1) CBC
3) Creatinine
3) Calcium

Imaging tests:

1)Ultrasound

2)CT Scan/MRI



STAGING



TREATMENT

Surgery is the standard treatment for RCC. There are several surgical options, depending on the stage of the disease and the overall health of the patient.

Partial Nephrectomy: Kidney-Sparing Surgery

Kidney-sparing (or nephron-sparing) surgery is the term used to describe the procedure in which a kidney tumor is removed, leaving a margin of normal kidney tissue in order to preserve the function of the remaining kidney. Studies have demonstrated that partial nephrectomy yields comparable results to complete nephrectomy in patients with small tumors (less than 4 centimeters), while maintaining functioning kidney tissue.

Radical Nephrectomy

In some situations, the entire kidney needs to be removed. Tumors that require complete nephrectomy tend to be larger in size and to have advanced locally, though sometimes they have spread to another part of the body. This procedure can be done by the open or laparoscopic approach. Because we are able to offer all possible modes of treatment, we can tailor the approach to each individual patient.