Kidney cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the kidney tissues and usually results from the uncontrolled proliferation of cells responsible for urine production. The most common type is renal cell carcinoma, but there are also other subtypes. This type of cancer often does not show symptoms in its early stages but may lead to serious complications over time. With early diagnosis and modern treatment methods, the success rate is quite high.
Kidney cancer occurs when cells in the kidneys divide abnormally and form a tumor. The most common form is renal cell carcinoma, which develops in structures called tubules in the inner part of the kidney. Other rarer types include urothelial carcinoma, Wilms tumor (especially in children), and renal sarcomas.
The exact cause of kidney cancer is not always clear, but several risk factors may contribute to its development:
Kidney cancer is often asymptomatic in its early stages. However, as the tumor grows, the following symptoms may appear:
If one or more of these symptoms are present, early consultation with a specialist is essential. Healme Clinic makes early diagnosis possible through modern imaging technologies used in kidney cancer screenings.
In addition to physical examination and patient history, various diagnostic tools are used for identifying kidney cancer:
Healme Clinic offers fast and accurate diagnosis through advanced imaging systems and multidisciplinary evaluation methods.
The treatment plan depends on the tumor's stage, size, the patient's overall health, and whether metastasis is present.
Surgical Treatment
Surgery is the primary treatment for early-stage kidney cancer. Surgical methods include:
Healme Clinic offers minimally invasive options such as robotic and laparoscopic surgery, which provide a faster recovery process.
Radiofrequency Ablation and Cryotherapy
In patients who are not suitable candidates for surgery, these methods destroy the tumor by heating or freezing it. They are especially preferred for small tumors.
Targeted Therapies
Since conventional chemotherapy is not very effective for kidney cancer, newly developed targeted drugs (such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors) are used. These drugs work by reducing the tumor’s blood supply or stopping cell growth.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapies that activate the immune system against the tumor have shown promising results in advanced-stage kidney cancer. Especially PD-1 inhibitors have become prominent in this field.
Healme Clinic creates a personalized treatment plan for each patient with the joint decision of oncology, urology, and radiology specialists.
Kidney cancer is typically staged as follows:
Patients diagnosed in the early stages have a high survival rate with surgical treatment.
Although not all cases of kidney cancer can be prevented, certain lifestyle changes can reduce the risk:
Healme Clinic offers early screenings and regular follow-ups for individuals at risk, aiming to prevent the disease before it progresses.
In addition to physical treatment, psychological support is very important for patients fighting kidney cancer. Being informed about the disease's progression, stage, and treatment helps improve quality of life. Healthy nutrition, exercise, stress management, and regular follow-ups are critical in this process.
Healme Clinic aims to make the treatment journey as comfortable as possible by providing both medical and psychological support to its patients.