Kidney cancer

A person with kidney cancer may or may not have one or more of the symptoms in the early stages. With time, signs and symptoms may develop which include:

• Loss of appetite
• Blood in urine (hematuria)
• Lower back pain
• A general feeling of poor health
• A mass (lump) on the side or lower back
• Fever that keeps coming and going
• Feeling tired all the time

Cancer occurs due to changes in DNA, which contains genes that control cell growth and division.

Oncogenes promote cell growth, while tumor suppressor genes regulate it or cause cells to die at the appropriate time.

DNA mutations can activate oncogenes or deactivate tumor suppressor genes, leading to uncontrolled cell growth.

Certain factors can increase the likelihood of these mutations leading to kidney cancer.

A risk factor is anything that increases your chance of getting a disease. Risk factors for kidney cancer can include:

1. Non-modifiable factors
   • Age: The incidence of kidney cancer increases with age, with a peak incidence at approximately 75 years of age.
   • Sex: The incidence of kidney cancer is two-fold higher in men compared with women.
   • Genetic risk factors: Certain rare inherited conditions may increase the risk of kidney cancer.
   • Family history: The risk of kidney cancer increases if first-line relatives or close family members have the condition.
2. Modifiable factors
   • Obesity
   • Tobacco smoking: Smokers face a significantly higher risk of kidney cancer than non-smokers, even after quitting. Take the first step toward quitting—explore our smoking cessation products today!
   • Environmental and occupational exposure: Such as pesticides, arsenic, cadmium, lead, etc.
3. Certain Medical Conditions
   • High blood pressure (Hypertension)
   • Chronic kidney disease
   • Kidney stones
   • Diabetes

Understanding the staging of kidney cancer is crucial before diagnosis. The staging system used for kidney cancer is based on the TNM system.

The size and extent of the main tumor (T): Is it confined to the same area or has it grown into nearby areas?

The spread to nearby lymph nodes (N).

The spread (metastasis) to distant sites (M): It has spread to nearby organs such as the brain, bones, or lungs.

Note: Higher stage numbers indicate more advanced cancer. T, N, and M categories are combined through stage grouping to determine the overall stage, which helps diagnose kidney cancer.

Diagnosis consists of:

• Medical history or physical exam: If kidney cancer is suspected, the doctor will review your medical history, ask about symptoms, and check for risk factors. They may conduct a physical exam, check for lumps or swelling, and order blood tests to identify potential kidney issues.
• Blood tests:
  • Urine tests: Urine tests can detect hidden blood or cancer cells, which may indicate kidney or bladder cancer.
  • Complete blood count: This test measures the number of different cells in the blood. This test result is often abnormal in people with kidney cancer.
  • Kidney Function Test: It assesses how well the kidneys are working and helps detect abnormalities linked to kidney cancer.
• Imaging tests:
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan: A scan that uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to produce a detailed image of your kidneys.
  • Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan: A detailed body scan that can be helpful for investigating confirmed cases of kidney cancer to see if cancer has spread and how well it's responding to treatment.
  • Ultrasound scan: It can be helpful in finding a kidney mass and showing if it is solid or filled with fluid.
  • Computed tomography (CT) scan: The CT scan uses X-rays to make detailed cross-sectional images of your body. It can provide precise information about the size, shape, and location of a tumor.
  • Angiography: It is an X-ray test that looks at blood vessels. It can also diagnose renal cancers since the blood vessels usually have a special appearance with this test.
  • Bone scan: This test is helpful to check if cancer has spread to the bones.
  • Cystoscopy: Where a thin tube is passed up your urethra (the tube that carries urine out of your body) to detect problems in the bladder.
  • Chest X-ray: An X-ray may be done after kidney cancer has been diagnosed to check if the cancer has spread to the lungs.
• Biopsy: A biopsy might be done to get a small sample of tissue from an area that may be cancer when the imaging tests are not clear enough to permit surgery. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) and needle core biopsy are two types of kidney biopsies that may be done. In cases where the doctors think kidney cancer might have spread to other sites, they may take a biopsy of the metastatic site instead of the kidney.

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While kidney cancer can't always be prevented, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce your risk. These include:

1. Identify and Avoid Risk Factors
   • Quit smoking to lower your risk of kidney cancer.
   • Obesity is a risk factor; aim for a balanced diet and regular exercise.
2. Stay Hydrated
   • Drinking plenty of water may help flush out toxins from your kidneys.
   • Aim for at least 7-8 glasses of water throughout the day.
3. Limit Painkiller Use
   • Avoid long-term use of over-the-counter pain medications like NSAIDs unless prescribed.
   • Eat a healthy diet: focus on fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while reducing salt and processed foods.
4. Avoid Occupational Exposure
   • Limit exposure to harmful chemicals such as asbestos and cadmium at workplaces.
5. Manage Underlying Conditions
   • Control diabetes or other chronic illnesses that may increase kidney cancer risk.
   • Managing hypertension can help reduce your risk.
6. Know Your Family History
   • Be aware of any genetic predispositions and seek regular check-ups.
   • If you're at higher risk, consider regular kidney function tests and imaging as advised by your doctor.

Book a Kidney Function Test today to check your kidney health and assess your risk.

The treatment for kidney cancer depends on the size of the cancer and whether it has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic). The treatment consists of:

1. Surgery
   • Partial nephrectomy: Removes only the tumor, preserving kidney function.
   • Radical nephrectomy: Removes the entire kidney, nearby tissues, and sometimes lymph nodes.
2. Targeted therapies: A cancer treatment that uses drugs to specifically target and block cancer-causing genes, proteins, or tissues while minimizing damage to healthy cells. The medicines included in the targeted therapies are:
   • Everolimus
   • Bevacizumab
   • Nivolumab
   • Tivozanib
   • Sunitinib
   • Pazopanib
   • Cabozantinib
   • Axitinib
3. Ablation therapies: These treatments destroy cancer cells by either:
   • Freezing cancer cells (Cryotherapy): This is done by inserting needles into the tumor, which can be performed through a small cut (laparoscopic cryotherapy).
   • Heating cancer cells (Radiofrequency ablation): This is done by inserting a needle-like probe through your skin, eliminating the need for large cuts.
4. Radiotherapy: A treatment where radiation is used to target or destroy cancerous cells. It is advised in advanced kidney cancer that has spread to other parts of the body, such as the bones or brain. Radiotherapy cannot usually cure kidney cancer, but it can slow down its spread and help control symptoms.
5. Embolization: A procedure to block the blood supply to the tumor, causing it to shrink. During embolization, a small tube called a catheter is inserted into a blood vessel in your groin and then guided to the blood vessel supplying the tumor.

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Home remedies that can help with kidney cancer include:

• Echinacea: The echinacea plant has anti-inflammatory effects on the body and is considered an effective herb against cancer.
• Astragalus: It is one of the best herbs known as a kidney restorer and is also one of the best anti-cancer immune-building herbs.
• Korean Ginseng: The roots of this plant have been used for health and longevity for thousands of years in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Ginseng reduces the risk of multiple types of cancer.

Diet for individuals with kidney cancer:

A kidney cancer diet should include many of the same components found in any healthy diet, with some nutritional add-ons to combat the specific effects of cancer treatment. Daily nutrition should include:

• A lot of whole grains: Whole grains may reduce cancer risk due to their high amounts of fiber, antioxidants, and minerals like vitamin E and selenium.
• Fruits and vegetables: Research suggests that fruits and fiber-rich vegetables may have a protective effect against cancer and its recurrence.
• High caloric intake: During cancer treatment, including high-calorie foods like butter, milkshakes, and meats can help counter weight loss and maintain strength.

Kidney cancer can lead to several complications, including impacts on mental health, particularly when diagnosed at advanced stages, which can create challenges in coping with the disease. Some of the other complications include:

• High blood pressure: Kidney cancer may disrupt the kidney's ability to regulate blood pressure, resulting in persistent or difficult-to-control hypertension. Monitor your blood pressure effortlessly with our wide selection of BP monitors and stay ahead of potential complications.
• Liver insufficiency: Cancer spreading to the liver can cause toxin build-up in the blood, leading to confusion, personality changes, and mood swings.
• Pleural effusion: Fluid accumulation in the pleural cavity (the thin space between the lungs and the chest wall) due to cancer spread to the lungs can cause significant shortness of breath and may require drainage.
• Kidney failure: Removal of a kidney or part of it can strain the remaining kidney, which may lead to kidney failure requiring dialysis or transplantation.

Complementary or alternative therapies refer to a range of treatments that can help cope with the side effects of cancer treatments. Some of them include:

1. Mind therapies

• Meditation: Helps reduce stress and improve emotional well-being, supporting overall health during cancer treatment.
• Yoga: Enhances flexibility, reduces fatigue, and promotes relaxation, aiding recovery and mental resilience. Yoga has many benefits.
• Tai Chi: Improves balance, reduces anxiety, and boosts energy, supporting holistic cancer care.

2. Body-based practices

• Massage: Alleviates pain, reduces stress, and improves overall relaxation, supporting cancer patients’ physical and emotional well-being.
• Chiropractic therapy: Helps manage pain and improve mobility, offering non-invasive relief for cancer-related discomfort.

3. Acupuncture

It is a common practice in Chinese medicine that involves stimulating certain points in the body to promote health or to lessen disease symptoms and treatment side effects.

A cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, affecting not just your body but also your mind. Here are some steps you or your caregivers can take to help:

1. Monitoring for cancer recurrence
   • Follow-up care includes regular tests and health checkups to detect if cancer has returned.
   • Testing is personalized based on the type, stage of cancer, and treatments received.
2. Managing long-term side effects
   • Side effects may persist after treatment or appear months to years later, affecting both physical and emotional health.
   • Emotional support and mental health care are vital for coping with stress, anxiety, or depression.
3. Keeping health records
   • Maintain a detailed record of your treatment history, including medications and procedures.
   • A well-documented history helps doctors manage future health needs and emergencies.
4. Focusing on diet and nutrition
   • A balanced diet helps maintain strength, prevent infections, and support tissue repair during and after treatment.
   • Avoid excessive sugar, maintain a healthy weight, and prioritize nutrient-rich foods.
5. Being physically active
   • Regular exercise can improve strength, muscle tone, and overall well-being.
   • Activities should be tailored to your fitness level and recovery needs.