Kidney Cancer

What Is Kidney Cancer?

The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs located behind the abdominal cavity, one on each side of the spine. Their primary function is to filter the blood, remove waste products through urine, and regulate the body’s fluid and electrolyte balance. Kidney cancer occurs when abnormal cells in one or both kidneys begin to grow uncontrollably. These cancerous cells can form a tumor and may spread to nearby tissues, lymph nodes, or distant parts of the body.

What Causes Kidney Cancer?

Kidney cancer develops when genetic changes in kidney cells cause them to grow and divide without control. While the exact cause is not always known, several factors are associated with an increased risk:

• Aging
• Chronic kidney disease
• Family history of kidney or other cancers
• Genetic mutations
• High blood pressure
• Obesity
• Smoking
• Exposure to certain chemical substances
• Personal history of certain cancers

How Is Kidney Cancer Detected?

Diagnosis begins with a comprehensive review of your medical, surgical, social, and family history, combined with physical exams, laboratory testing, and imaging studies.

Imaging techniques may include:

• CT scan: Provides detailed cross-sectional images of the body using X-rays.
• PET scan: Detects cancer cells by measuring how they absorb a radioactive tracer.
• PET-CT scan: Combines PET and CT scans for more precise results.
• MRI: Uses magnetic fields to create high-resolution images of organs and tissues.
• Ultrasound: Uses sound waves to visualize the kidneys and surrounding structures.

If imaging shows a suspicious mass, a biopsy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis and guide treatment planning.

Signs and Symptoms of Kidney Cancer

Symptoms of kidney cancer may include:

• Blood in the urine (hematuria)
• Unexplained weight loss
• Anemia
• Back or side pain, pressure, or discomfort
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Loss of appetite
• A sensation of a mass in the abdomen or side
• Enlarged lymph nodes
• Weakness

Because these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, it is important to discuss them with your doctor.

Stages of Kidney Cancer

Staging describes how far kidney cancer has spread and is essential for planning treatment.

Stage I

Cancer is limited to the kidney and is 7 cm or smaller in size.

Stage II

Cancer is larger than 7 cm but still confined to the kidney.

Stage III

Cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes, major blood vessels, or tissues near the kidney but not to distant organs.

Stage IV

Cancer has spread beyond the kidney to distant lymph nodes, lungs, bones, liver, or other organs.

How Is Kidney Cancer Treated?

Treatment depends on the type, stage, and overall health of the patient. Options may include:

• Surgery: The most common treatment, involving partial or complete removal of the kidney (nephrectomy).
• Targeted therapy: Drugs that specifically attack cancer cell growth pathways.
• • Immunotherapy:
  Stimulates the body’s immune system to fight cancer.
• Radiation therapy: Used in select cases to shrink tumors or relieve symptoms.
• Chemotherapy: Less commonly used, but may be recommended for certain types of kidney cancer.

When creating a treatment plan, doctors consider:

• Your age, health, and lifestyle
• The stage and type of kidney cancer
• Any other medical conditions you may have
• The urgency of treatment
• Potential side effects of each therapy
• Your doctor’s recommendation for the best approach

It is important to work closely with your care team, ask questions, and fully understand your treatment options.

Our Approach

At New York Cancer & Blood Specialists, we know that a kidney cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming. Our expert oncologists provide personalized, comprehensive care using the most advanced treatments available. We are here to answer your questions, support you throughout your treatment journey, and help you achieve the best possible outcomes. If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms that may be related to kidney cancer, please call us at (855) 528-7322 or request an appointment online.