Kidney Cancer

What are the Warning Signs of Kidney Cancer?

Kidney cancer often does not cause noticeable symptoms in its early stages. As the condition progresses, however, some patients may experience symptoms such as:

• Hematuria (blood in the urine)

• Persistent pain in the back or side

• Loss of appetite

• Unexplained weight loss

• Fatigue

• Occasional fever

If you experience any of these symptoms—especially blood in the urine—it is important to schedule an evaluation with a physician at Urology Associates. Early detection can play a key role in successfully treating kidney cancer and other conditions affecting the kidneys and urinary tract.

What are the Risk Factors for Kidney Cancer?

Although researchers have not identified a single definitive cause of kidney cancer, several factors may increase a person’s risk. These include:

• Aging

• Smoking

• Obesity

• High blood pressure

• Long-term dialysis treatment

• A family history of kidney cancer

Certain inherited conditions may also raise the risk of developing kidney cancer, including von Hippel-Lindau disease and Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome.

How is Kidney Cancer Diagnosed?

Your urologist will begin by reviewing your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle factors. A physical examination is typically performed, along with blood tests and a urinalysis to evaluate kidney function and check for abnormalities.

If kidney cancer is suspected, your doctor may order imaging tests, such as a CT scan or MRI, to look for tumors or unusual tissue growths on the kidneys.

If imaging reveals an abnormal mass, a biopsy may be recommended. During this procedure, a small sample of tissue is collected and examined to determine whether the growth is cancerous. A biopsy can also help your doctor determine the stage of the cancer, which is important for developing the most effective treatment plan.

How is Kidney Cancer Treated?

If kidney cancer is diagnosed, your doctor will review the treatment options available and recommend a plan based on the type, stage, and overall health of the patient. In many cases, surgery is the primary treatment and may involve removing the tumor or, in some situations, the entire kidney. Fortunately, the body can typically function well with a single healthy kidney.

Depending on the stage and characteristics of the cancer, other treatments may also be considered. These can include cryoablation or radiofrequency ablation, which destroy cancer cells using extreme cold or heat.

Additional therapies may include:

• Immunotherapy, which helps the immune system fight cancer cells

• Chemotherapy or radiation therapy

• Targeted therapy, using medications that block the signals responsible for abnormal cell growth

After treatment, regular follow-up appointments and testing are important to ensure the treatment was successful and to monitor for any signs that the cancer may return.

If you are concerned about kidney cancer or notice symptoms such as blood in your urine, contact Urology Associates to schedule an evaluation and receive expert care.