What is Kidney Cancer? Symptoms and Treatment Methods
Kidney cancer forms from abnormal cell growth in the kidneys. The most common type is RCC (90-95%). It may not show symptoms in early stages. Blood in urine, flank pain, weight loss are the main symptoms. Robotic partial nephrectomy with nephron-sparing surgery is the primary treatment approach.
Kidney cancer is a disease that occurs as a result of abnormal growth and proliferation of cells in the kidneys. The kidneys are two organs located at the back of the abdominal cavity that perform important functions such as cleaning the blood, producing hormones, and controlling blood pressure.
Kidney cancer is divided into various types, including renal cell carcinoma (RCC), which accounts for 90-95% of all kidney cancers.
Kidney Cancer Symptoms
- Blood in urine (hematuria) - dark red or pink colored
- Abdominal or flank pain - may radiate to back or groin
- Palpable mass in the abdomen
- Unexplained weight loss and loss of appetite
- Fatigue and weakness
- High blood pressure
- Persistent fever above 38°C
Treatment Methods
Surgery: The most commonly used method in kidney cancer treatment. With robotic partial nephrectomy, only the tumorous part is removed while healthy kidney tissue is preserved.
Immunotherapy: Treatment that enables the immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells.
Targeted therapies: Drugs that prevent the growth of cancer cells are used.
Risk Factors
- Being over 50 years old
- Male gender (2x higher risk)
- Smoking
- Obesity
- High blood pressure
- Chronic kidney disease