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Key points
Key points- Kidney cancer often causes no symptoms in the early stages and is frequently found on an imaging study performed for other reasons.
- Smoking, obesity, and high blood pressure are some of the factors that can increase the risk of kidney tumors.
- A contrast-enhanced CT scan is usually the study of choice to see the size and location of the tumor.
- Treatment depends on the stage of the tumor and on each patient's age, health, and kidney function.
What is kidney cancer and what types exist?
Kidney cancer often causes no symptoms in the early stages and is frequently discovered on an imaging study performed for other reasons. It is diagnosed with laboratory and imaging tests, and treatment depends on the stage of the tumor and the health of each patient.
The kidneys are a pair of organs located on each side of the spine, and they are essential to the body. Their functions include:
- Maintaining the balance of fluids and salts in the body.
- Controlling blood pressure.
- Playing a part in the formation of red blood cells.
There are several types of kidney cancer. The most common is clear cell renal carcinoma; other types include papillary and chromophobe, among others.
Causes and risk factors of kidney cancer
Many cancers appear spontaneously and have no known cause. However, some risk factors have been identified that can increase the chances of having kidney tumors:
- Smoking.
- Obesity.
- High blood pressure.
- Family history of cancer.
- Kidney failure under treatment for many years.
Symptoms of kidney cancer
Early stages
Patients often have no symptoms
Kidney cancer is frequently a finding on an imaging study performed for other reasons.
Advanced cancer
Some symptoms may appear
Weight loss, hematuria (blood in the urine), a feeling of heaviness in the back, fractures, and difficulty breathing.
How kidney cancer is detected: diagnosis
These are the tests that help diagnose kidney cancer.
Laboratory tests
Urinalysis and urine cytology.
Imaging tests
Ultrasound, contrast-enhanced CT scan, and magnetic resonance imaging.
Contrast-enhanced CT scan
Usually the study of choice: it shows the size and location of the tumor, and supports treatment planning and follow-up for patients who have already been treated.
Kidney cancer treatment
The type of treatment depends on the size and extent of the tumor (stage), and the patient's age, health status, and kidney function.
Local treatments
Radical nephrectomy, partial nephrectomy (nephron-sparing surgery), cryotherapy, and radiofrequency ablation.
Systemic treatments
Targeted therapy (medications) and immunotherapy.
Radiation therapy
May also be considered in some cases.
Evaluation with a specialist
Each option is chosen with the specialist based on the characteristics of the tumor and of each patient. If you have risk factors, any of the symptoms described, or an imaging study with a finding in the kidney, it is advisable to have your case evaluated by a urologist.
In Puerto Vallarta, Dr. Bricio can evaluate your case and explain the available options.
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