What Is Kidney Cancer?
Kidney cancer often does not cause symptoms in its early stages and is frequently detected incidentally during imaging studies performed for other medical reasons. Early diagnosis significantly improves treatment outcomes.
What Causes Kidney Cancer?
The exact cause of kidney cancer is not fully understood. However, several factors are known to increase the risk of developing the disease.
Risk factors for kidney cancer include:
- Smoking
- Advanced age
- Obesity
- High blood pressure
- Family history of kidney cancer
- Genetic predisposition
- Chronic kidney disease
- Long-term dialysis treatment
- Exposure to certain chemicals
What Are the Symptoms of Kidney Cancer?
Kidney cancer may not cause any symptoms during its early stages. As the disease progresses, various signs and symptoms may develop.
Symptoms of kidney cancer include:
- Blood in the urine (hematuria)
- Flank pain or lower back pain
- A palpable mass in the abdomen or side
- Unexplained weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Persistent fatigue
- Night sweats
- Fever of unknown origin
- Bone pain in advanced stages
These symptoms do not always indicate kidney cancer. Similar complaints may occur in other kidney-related conditions.
How Is Kidney Cancer Diagnosed?
The diagnosis of kidney cancer is based on the evaluation of symptoms, physical examination findings, and imaging studies.
Diagnostic methods include:
- Blood tests
- Urinalysis
- Ultrasound imaging
- Computed tomography (CT)
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- PET/CT scans
- Kidney biopsy when necessary
In most cases, the diagnosis is established through imaging studies and may be confirmed with a biopsy when appropriate.
How Is Kidney Cancer Treated?
Kidney cancer treatment is planned according to the size, stage, and location of the tumor, as well as the patient’s overall health condition.
Treatment options include:
- Partial nephrectomy (removal of part of the kidney)
- Radical nephrectomy (complete removal of the kidney)
- Robotic-assisted surgery
- Laparoscopic surgery
- Targeted therapies
- Immunotherapy
- Ablation techniques
- Active surveillance
The most appropriate treatment plan is determined individually for each patient.
Robotic technology allows surgeons to operate with exceptional precision while preserving as much healthy kidney tissue as possible.
Advantages of robotic kidney cancer surgery include:
Smaller incisions
Reduced blood loss
Less postoperative pain
Shorter hospital stay
Faster recovery
Earlier return to daily activities
Better preservation of kidney function
Benefits of kidney cancer treatment include:
Preventing the spread of cancer
Preserving kidney function
Extending life expectancy
Improving quality of life
Achieving long-term disease control
Recommendations after treatment include:
Attending regular follow-up appointments
Completing scheduled imaging and laboratory tests
Avoiding smoking
Maintaining a healthy diet
Keeping a healthy body weight
Exercising regularly
Taking prescribed medications as directed