KIDNEY CANCER



There are three main types of kidney cancer: renal cell cancer is the most common in adults, and Wilms’ tumor most common in children. Both form in the tissues of the kidney that produce urine. Transitional cell cancer forms in the renal pelvis and urethra in adults. Tobacco smoking and taking certain analgesics (painkillers) for long periods can increase the risk of kidney cancer in adults. Certain hereditary disorders can increase the risk of kidney cancer in children and adults.

Our goal is to achieve the best treatment for kidney cancer according to the genetic characteristics of each patient’s tumor.

SYMPTOMS of kidney cancer
Renal cell cancer or other conditions may cause the following symptoms. However, in the early stages there may be no obvious signs or symptoms; these may appear as the tumor grows:
  • Blood in the urine
  • Mass in the abdomen
  • Pain on one side that does not go away
  • Loss of appetite
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Anemia

 

DIAGNOSTIC TESTS to detect kidney cancer
To diagnose renal cell cancer, any of the following tests and procedures that examine the abdomen and kidneys may be performed:
  • Physical examination and review of medical history.
  • Ultrasound.
  • Blood chemistry studies.
  • Urine analysis.
  • Liver function test.
  • Intravenous pyelogram (IVP).
  • CT scan (CAT scan).
  • MRI (magnetic resonance imaging).
  • Biopsy.

TREATMENTS for kidney cancer
Different types of standard treatment are available for patients with renal cell cancer: surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, biological therapy, targeted therapy.

New types of treatment are being investigated in clinical trials: segmental resection of the renal pelvis, laser surgery, regional chemotherapy and regional biologic therapy.

Certain factors affect the prognosis (chance of recovery) and choice of treatment options: the stage of the disease, the patient’s age and general state of health.