Kidney Cancer
Symptoms
The most common kidney cancer symptom is blood in the urine (hematuria), but hematuria can be caused by a variety of conditions so it doesn't necessarily mean you have cancer.Due to the location of the kidneys, many people with kidney cancer don't have symptoms until the tumor has grown quite large. If there are symptoms, they vary from person to person.
Other Kidney Cancer Symptoms May Include:
- A lump or mass on the side or lower back
- Unexplained fever for a few weeks
- Rapid weight loss
- Lingering dull ache or pain in the side, abdomen or lower back
- Feeling fatigued or in poor health
- Swelling of ankles and legs
These symptoms do not always mean you have kidney cancer and may be caused by other conditions. However, it is important to discuss any symptoms with your doctor, since they may signal other health problems.
Diagnosis
At Basil Onco Care, our experts specialize in kidney cancer and use the very latest technology to pinpoint the exact extent and location of each kidney cancer tumor.If you have been diagnosed with a kidney tumor or kidney cancer, it’s important to be treated as early as possible. This helps improve your chances for successful treatment. Most tumors of the kidney are malignant (cancer), but some are benign (not cancer).
If you have symptoms that may signal kidney cancer, your doctor will ask you questions about your health; your lifestyle, including smoking and drinking habits; and your family medical history.One or more of the following tests may be used to find out if you have kidney cancer and if it has spread. These tests also may be used to find out if treatment is working.
Blood And Urine Tests Imaging Tests, Which May Include:
- CT scans
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans
- Ultrasound
- Chest X-Ray
- Bone Scan
Biopsy And Fine Needle Aspiration:
(FNA) are sometimes used to obtain a biopsy of the kidney. This involves the insertion of a long, thin needle into the kidney to take a tiny sample of tissue for examination under a microscope. With modern biopsy methods, there is virtually no risk of ‘spreading cancer.’ Our team of radiologists is highly experienced in safe biopsy methods.
Cancer Treatment Options May Include:
- Kidney-sparing surgery
- Radical Nephrectomy
- Laparoscopic surgery
- Targeted therapies including sunitinib, sorafenib,temsirolimus, and bevacizumab
- Immunotherapy, including interferon and interleukin-2
- Cryoablation, radiofrequency ablation and active surveillance
