Kidney Cancer: Early Signs and Symptoms You Should Never Ignore

Kidneys are bean shaped vital organs, located on either side of the spine and carrying out the crucial job of purifying the blood, removing the waste and balancing fluids. Kidney cancer, also known as Renal Cell Carcinoma, is one of the top 10 cancers found in adults, both men and women.

The Department of Oncology at Hiranandani Fortis Hospital, Vashi, Navi Mumbai is a hub of expert oncologists and surgical oncologists, offering accurate diagnosis and advanced treatments including surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and other procedures for all types of kidney cancers.

What Is Kidney Cancer?

Kidney cancer is defined as abnormal growth of cells in 1 or both kidneys forming into a mass. This mass can either be benign, malignant or even indolent in certain cases. If the mass or tumour is malignant, it means these cells can grow and spread to other parts of the body, disrupting the functioning of kidneys and other organs as well. 

Diagnosis and treatment of Kidney cancer demands the attention of highly trained medical professionals including nephrologists, oncologists, oncosurgeons and radiologists. 

Types of Kidney Cancer?

Renal Cell Carcinoma:

The most common type in adults suffering from kidney cancer, this develops in proximal renal tubes interfering with the filtration process of the organs. 

Urothelial Cell Carcinoma:

Also known as transitional cell carcinoma, it is a rare type. It develops in renal pelvis, a area where urine gets collected before moving into the urinary bladder. 

Sarcoma:

A sarcoma in kidneys is quite rare. It forms on the soft tissue, a thin layer of connective tissue surrounding the kidney. This particular type of cancer spreads to other parts of the body and is removed surgically. 

Wilms Tumour:

Most common in children, it demands a different line of treatment when compared to adult kidney cancers. It can be treated successfully with radiation and chemotherapy. 

Lymphoma:

Lymphoma is a result of enlarged lymph nodes, which can affect kidneys. This can increase the size of kidneys and in rare cases, lymphoma presents as a lone tumour mass in the kidney. 

Types of Kidney Cancer Cells:

The oncologist before deciding upon the treatment would first decide determine the type of cancer cells causing malignancy. There are more than 30 types of cancer cells that can affect kidneys and are identified with the help of different imaging tests including CT-Scan, MRI, PET-CT besides blood work. Here are most common types of Kidney cancer cells.

• Clear Cell
• Papillary
• Medullary
• Sarcomatoid
• Oncocytoma
• Angiomyolipoma
• Collecting Duct
• Chromophobe

Signs and Symptoms of Kidney Cancer:

In most cases, kidney cancers do not present with any symptoms at the initial stages. See a doctor immediately, if you find these following symptoms.

• Hematuria (Blood in urine)
• Intense pain between ribs and hips
• Lower back pain
• Loss of appetite
• Unintentional weight loss  
• Unexplained fever
• Anaemia

Men also notice a rapid development of enlarged veins, around testicles known as varicocele, especially in the right testicle. 

Stages in Kidney Cancer:

There are 5 stages in kidney cancer and the expert oncologists use T (Tool), N ( Node) and M (Metastasis) method with the aid of diagnostic tools and scans to find out the stage.

The doctors during these tests locate primary tumour and size, if the tumour spread to the lymph nodes and cancer spread to other parts of the body. 

Can Kidney Cancer Recur?

There are chances of kidney cancer recurring in few patients and it can mostly happen within first 3 years of treatment. It is important to keep with your doctor’s appointment, take medications on time and lead a healthy lifestyle and diet. 

For more information on cancer care at The Department of Oncology at Hiranandani Fortis Hospital, Vashi, Navi Mumbai, visit: Best Cancer care hospital in Vashi, Navi Mumbai.