What Is Kidney Cancer?

Kidney cancer, also known as renal cancer or renal cell carcinoma, develops when abnormal cells grow inside the kidney and form a kidney tumor. Many people discover a kidney mass on ultrasound or CT scan done for unrelated issues such as back pain or routine health checkups. Early kidney cancer usually has no symptoms. 

Common Symptoms of Kidney Cancer

Kidney cancer symptoms may vary based on the tumor size and stage. Common warning signs include:

• Blood in urine (haematuria)

• Persistent flank pain or back pain

• Abdominal lump or mass

• Fatigue or low energy

• Unexplained weight loss

• Recurrent fever

• High blood pressure

• Loss of appetite

Causes & Risk Factors

Kidney cancer is influenced by several lifestyle and medical factors. Major risk factors include:

• Smoking

• Obesity

• Long-standing hypertension

• Family history of kidney cancer

• Chronic kidney disease

• Long-term dialysis

• Exposure to certain chemicals

• Genetic conditions such as von Hippel-Lindau disease

How Kidney Cancer Is Diagnosed

Diagnosis of a kidney tumor involves a combination of imaging and laboratory tests:

• Ultrasound of abdomen – often the first test showing a kidney mass

• CT Scan (CT KUB / CT Abdomen) – most accurate test to evaluate kidney cancer

• MRI – useful for detailed tumour mapping

• Renal biopsy – performed in select cases to confirm type of cancer

• Blood tests & urine tests – to check kidney function

Treatment Options for Kidney Cancer

Kidney cancer treatment depends on the size, location and stage of the tumour:

1. Partial Nephrectomy

Surgical removal of only the kidney tumor while preserving the rest of the kidney. This is the preferred treatment for small tumors and is offered both laparoscopically and robotically.

2. Radical Nephrectomy

Complete removal of the kidney for large or complex tumors. Performed through laparoscopic or robotic techniques for faster recovery.

3. Robotic Kidney Cancer Surgery

Robotic surgery is highly precise and minimally invasive, reducing pain, bleeding and hospital stay.

4. Ablation Therapy

Techniques like radiofrequency ablation and cryoablation are used in select small tumors or medically unfit patients.

5. Targeted Therapy & Immunotherapy

Used in advanced kidney cancer to shrink tumors and control spread.

Prognosis & Follow-Up

Early-stage kidney cancer has excellent outcomes with timely treatment. Regular follow-up with ultrasound or CT scan ensures early detection of recurrence and monitoring of kidney function.

When to See a Urologist

You should consult a urologist if you notice blood in urine, persistent flank pain, a lump in the abdomen, or if a kidney mass has been detected on ultrasound or CT scan. Early evaluation significantly improves recovery and treatment success.

Kidney Cancer – Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment