WHAT IS KIDNEY CANCER?
Cancer is when cells in the body grow out of control. These cells can form a tumour or damaged tissue. If cancer cells grow in the kidney, it is called kidney cancer also called renal cell carcinoma.
WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON SYMPTOMS OF KIDNEY CANCER?
The most obvious symptoms are:
- Blood in the Urine: Blood in the urine (called haematuria) is the most common symptom of kidney cancer. About 50 out of 100 (50%) of people diagnosed with kidney cancer have it when they first go to the doctor. It might be caused by an infection, enlargement of the prostate or kidney stones. The blood does not have to be there all the time. It can come and go. Sometimes, the blood cannot be seen by the naked eye but can be picked up by a simple urine test. As the bleeding, can come and go, you or your doctor may think that the problem has gone away. This can mean that an early, treatable cancer in the kidney or bladder is allowed to grow to a stage where it may be more difficult to treat.
- A Lump or Mass in the Kidney Area: If you feel a lump or swelling in the area of your kidneys, go straight to your doctor. Most kidney cancers are too small for you or a doctor to feel. But your doctor can arrange an ultrasound scan to check for cancer.
WHAT ARE THE OTHER LESS OBVIOUS SYMPTOMS?
Some people have other symptoms which can be vague. These are:
- Weight loss
- A high temperature and very heavy sweating
- A pain in your back on one side (below the ribs) that won't go away
- Tiredness
- Loss of appetite
- A general feeling of poor health
High temperatures and sweats can be caused by an infection. Your doctor may want to rule this out first.
High blood pressure and having fewer red blood cells than normal (anemia) can also be symptoms of kidney cancer. These symptoms are related to the hormones that the kidneys produce.
These symptoms can be caused by many other conditions. Most people who have them will not have cancer. But if you have any of these symptoms, go to your doctor for a check-up. If it is cancer, it will be easier to treat if it’s diagnosed early.
WHY KIMS?
At KIMS, recognized as the best kidney transplant hospital in Hyderabad, our goal is to accurately diagnose and treat kidney cancer so that you have the best possible quality of life. At every step, we’ll work with you to determine the best treatment approach. We work to ensure that you have access to innovative techniques, new drugs, and clinical trials if appropriate. We arguably have the best kidney transplant surgery specialists in Hyderabad as well as the best kidney transplant doctors in Hyderabad.