The kidney's main function is to filter waste products such as uric acid, creatinine, and urea from the blood, then produce urine and maintain the balance of certain minerals in the blood. Kidney cancer accounts for approximately 2-3% of all cancers. It occurs as a result of the growth of malignant cells. Kidney cancer is defined as the growth of kidney cells that become malignant, losing their normal function and shape, and growing to an abnormal size. Kidney cancer often first appears in the lining of the small tubes in the kidney. In the early stages, kidney cancer causes no symptoms. This cancer can grow silently. Approximately 20-25% of kidney cancers are asymptomatic in the early stages and are discovered as a result of tests performed for various kidney-related causes. Therefore, regular health checks are extremely important. Kidney cancer surgery is performed at Ankara Private Magnet Hospital. You can call our hospital to schedule an appointment and receive detailed information by consulting with our doctor.

What are the causes of kidney cancer?

Kidney cancer occurs twice as often in men as in women. Age is a significant risk factor for kidney cancer . Generally, most people with kidney cancer are over the age of 50. While the exact cause is unknown, the following factors may increase the risk of kidney cancer.

• As with all types of cancer, advanced age is an important factor in the development of kidney cancer.
• Obesity , or excess weight, can cause changes in hormones that can lead to kidney cancer.
• People who use tobacco or tobacco products are twice as likely to develop cancer. It's estimated that approximately one-third of all kidney cancers are caused by smoking.
• People with high blood pressure have an increased risk of kidney cancer.
• Patients with kidney failure and those receiving regular dialysis have a higher risk of developing kidney cysts and kidney cancers.
• The risk of developing kidney cancer is clearly evident in people born with certain hereditary diseases.
• The risk of developing kidney cancer is quite high in people who have previously been exposed to radiation and have undergone radiotherapy for treatment purposes.

What are the symptoms of kidney cancer?

Kidney cancer generally doesn't present with any disturbing symptoms in the early stages. It's unlikely that any symptoms will appear until the cancer has progressed to advanced stages. It's usually detected in people with underlying health conditions, especially during an abdominal ultrasound or CT scan. Advanced kidney tumors can cause certain symptoms, including:

• Blood in the urine, dark changes in urine color
• Kidney mass and abdominal mass during manual examination in the kidney area
• Signs of weight loss, weakness and fatigue in the person
• Persistent pain, especially in the lumbar region, on the right or left side of the body

Diagnosis of Kidney Cancer

Kidney cancer is usually detected during routine health checkups or medical tests. Kidney tumors can be detected in their early stages through CT scans or ultrasounds performed due to a specific symptom. In individuals who do not undergo regular health checkups, kidney cancer can progress because it goes undetected.

If your doctor finds any suspicious findings after the examination, they may use a CT scan to make a definitive diagnosis. Sometimes, if doctors need more information before recommending treatment, they may also perform a percutaneous biopsy. During this procedure, the skin is numbed using local anesthesia. A small needle is then used to withdraw a small amount of tissue. A CT scan or ultrasound is used to locate the tumor, guide the needle placement, and visualize its withdrawal.

Afterward, our pathologist examines tissue samples under a microscope to examine laboratory findings for signs of kidney cancer. Urine tests do not diagnose kidney cancer. However, your doctor may check for blood in the urine, a common symptom of advanced kidney cancer. Other blood tests are effective in determining whether a person's kidneys are functioning properly. However, this blood test cannot be used to diagnose kidney cancer.

Before kidney cancer surgery

• The person should stop taking blood thinners 1 week in advance.
• The person must stop eating and drinking 6 hours before the surgery.
• Your doctor may adjust the blood pressure depending on the person's condition, because kidney cancer is a bloody operation.
• If a person has diabetes, heart disease, or high blood pressure, they should inform their doctor beforehand.

Kidney Cancer Treatment   

Before kidney cancer treatment begins, the cancer is first staged to determine its size and extent of spread. Based on the staging results, a treatment plan is developed and the doctor discusses the staging.

Stage 1 : In kidney cancer, the tumor is smaller than 7 cm and is located only within the kidney. It has not spread to lymph nodes or distant organs.

Stage 2: The tumor is larger than 7 cm in size and has not spread to organs other than the kidney.

Stage 3: Kidney cancer has spread to surrounding tissues and regional lymph nodes.

Stage 4: Cancer has spread to distant areas of the body such as the lymph nodes, bones, lungs, and liver.

Surgery is the primary treatment for kidney cancer. The most common surgical treatment is nephrectomy. A nephrectomy involves removing the kidney and all surrounding tissue. For small tumors located in only one part of the kidney, or for those with only one kidney containing a tumor, partial nephrectomy, or the removal of only the tumorous tissue, is now possible, rather than removing the entire kidney.

If the disease has spread to the lungs or major blood vessels, surgery may be necessary in these areas. Because not everyone can tolerate kidney cancer surgery, the decision should be made in collaboration with the doctor, the patient, and their family.

Chemotherapy and radiation therapy, i.e., nonsurgical treatments, have little effect in treating kidney cancer. The surgical procedure to be performed on the kidney is determined based on the tests and examination.

Immunotherapy works to strengthen our body's own immune system. It's a treatment option for people with kidney cancer. Proteins that activate the immune system (cytokines) are administered intravenously or orally and can shrink the cancer. Targeted therapy options are also available for advanced kidney cancer. Targeted therapies target specific molecules. Treatment medications are usually administered in tablet form or intravenously.

Kidney cancer has a very high chance of cure when detected early. Even when suspected, it is a disease that requires diagnosis and treatment.

Most frequently asked questions?

What are the prices of kidney cancer surgery?

The cost of kidney cancer surgery is one of the most researched topics. Our doctor determines the cost based on the procedure and the patient's condition. Visit Ankara Private Magnet Hospital to meet with our nephrology doctors and begin your treatment process comfortably and safely. You can easily schedule an appointment by calling our hospital. Contact us at 0312 212 80 80   

Can kidney cancer be cured?

There's no chance of recovery for patients with Stage 4 kidney cancer. To answer this question definitively, our doctor will evaluate the patient by considering factors such as the stage of the disease, their health status, and menstrual status.

Can kidney cancer be prevented?

Because the exact cause of kidney cancer isn't fully understood, it's impossible to completely eliminate the disease. However, if a person maintains a healthy lifestyle, a combination of a healthy diet and regular exercise can help prevent obesity, a significant risk factor for kidney cancer.

Where does kidney cancer spread first?

Kidney cancer usually begins in just one kidney and continues to grow. The pattern of kidney cancer spreading can vary depending on the cancer's stage, type, and other factors. However, a common spreading pattern is:

• Kidney : Kidney cancer usually begins in one kidney. It occurs when cells inside the kidney grow and multiply abnormally.
• Lymph nodes: Kidney cancer can spread to surrounding lymph nodes through the lymphatic channels. Lymph nodes are located in various parts of the body, and cancer cells can reach and spread there.
• Kidney capsule: Kidney cancer can spread beyond the kidney capsule, the outer layer surrounding the kidney.
• Blood vessels: Cancer cells can spread to the blood vessels that feed the kidneys, which is a common occurrence in kidney cancer. In this case, cancer cells can spread to other parts of the body through the bloodstream.
• Other organs: When kidney cancer spreads, it can often spread to other organs, such as the lungs, liver, bones, and brain. Distant organ spread, known as metastatic kidney cancer, can occur in these organs.

However, the pattern of spread can vary from case to case, and in some cases, cancer cells may remain confined to individual components before spreading to other organs. Early diagnosis and treatment of kidney cancer can increase the chance of limiting the cancer's spread and progression.

What foods should people with kidney cancer not eat?

• High-sodium foods: Reducing salt intake is important for kidney health. It's important to avoid high-sodium foods like processed foods, canned foods, pickles, and prepared sauces.
• Red meat: Red meat is high in protein and fat. Some people with kidney cancer may want to limit their protein intake to reduce the burden of excess protein on the kidneys.
• Processed foods: Processed foods are often high in salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats. These foods should be limited or avoided altogether if possible.
• Sugary drinks : Sugary drinks are often high in added sugar and calories. Consuming these drinks can be detrimental to kidney health. Instead, opt for water, natural fruit juices, or unsweetened beverages.
• Alcohol: Excessive alcohol consumption can have negative effects on the kidneys. It's important to limit alcohol intake to maintain kidney health.

These are general recommendations, and each individual's situation may vary. Therefore, a person with kidney cancer should consult with their doctor or a nutritionist regarding nutrition. It is best to obtain dietary recommendations specific to their individual situation.