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Kidney Cancer

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.

What is Kidney Cancer?

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.

Causes of Kidney Cancer

The exact cause of kidney cancer is not always clear, but several risk factors may contribute to its development:

  • Smoking
  • Obesity
  • High blood pressure
  • Family history of kidney cancer
  • Certain inherited syndromes (such as Von Hippel-Lindau disease)
  • Long-term dialysis treatment
  • Exposure to chemical substances (e.g., certain industrial chemicals)

Symptoms of Kidney Cancer

Kidney cancer is often asymptomatic in its early stages. However, as the tumor grows, the following symptoms may appear:

  • Blood in the urine (hematuria)
  • Flank pain (typically one-sided and persistent)
  • Abdominal mass or swelling
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Fatigue and weakness
  • Fever and night sweats
  • Anemia

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.

Diagnostic Methods for Kidney Cancer

In addition to physical examination and patient history, various diagnostic tools are used for identifying kidney cancer:

  • Ultrasound: Used as an initial assessment tool.
  • Computed Tomography (CT): Shows the size, location, and spread of the tumor.
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Helps examine vascular structures and spread to nearby organs.
  • Urine and blood tests: Evaluate kidney function and the impact of cancer on the body.
  • Biopsy: May be required for a definitive diagnosis of the suspected mass, though it is not always necessary.

Healme Clinic offers fast and accurate diagnosis through advanced imaging systems and multidisciplinary evaluation methods.

Treatment Options for Kidney Cancer

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:

  • Partial nephrectomy: Removal of the tumor while preserving the kidney.
  • Radical nephrectomy: Removal of the entire kidney, usually in cases of large or centrally located tumors.

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.

Stages of Kidney Cancer

Kidney cancer is typically staged as follows:

  • Stage I: Tumor is smaller than 7 cm and confined to the kidney.
  • Stage II: Tumor is larger than 7 cm but still confined to the kidney.
  • Stage III: Tumor has spread to nearby tissues or lymph nodes.
  • Stage IV: Cancer has metastasized to distant organs (lungs, liver, bones).

Patients diagnosed in the early stages have a high survival rate with surgical treatment.

Prevention of Kidney Cancer

Although not all cases of kidney cancer can be prevented, certain lifestyle changes can reduce the risk:

  • Quitting smoking
  • Maintaining a healthy weight
  • Controlling blood pressure regularly
  • Avoiding exposure to harmful chemicals
  • Undergoing regular medical check-ups and ultrasound screenings

Healme Clinic offers early screenings and regular follow-ups for individuals at risk, aiming to prevent the disease before it progresses.

Living with Kidney Cancer

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.