Cancer of the kidney is among the 10 most common cancers in men and women (the seventh most common cancer in men and the ninth most common in women). In general, the lifetime risk for developing kidney cancer in men is higher than women. Statistics show that the risk in men is about 1 in 48 and for women is 1 in 83. The average age of people when they are diagnosed is 60.
Kidney cancer is also difficult to detect in its early stages.
In fact, before the disease has grown significantly or spread, kidney cancer is most commonly caught while they are being treated for an unrelated reason, when it’s discovered by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan or computed tomography (CT) scan after a car accident, injury, or for another condition.
The terms ‘kidney cancer’ and ‘renal cell carcinoma’ are often used interchangeably, but in fact Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) which is also called hypernephroma, renal adenocarcinoma, or kidney cancer has a male predominance and the most common kind of kidney cancer found in adults. The most common type of RCC is the clear cell renal cancer and less common types are papillary renal cell cancer, chromophobe renal cell cancer and collecting duct renal cell cancer. RCC is also classified according to its stage or extent. There are also other types of kidney cancer, but they’re rare.
Best treatment options for kidney cancer
1. Surgery: Surgery is the main treatment for kidney cancer and it may be the only treatment you need. The operation will depend on your general health and the stage of the cancer. There are different types of surgery and there are different ways a surgeon can operate on the kidney; open, laparoscopic and robotic surgery.
Nephrectomy (nephro= kidney,ectomy= removal). Surgical procedure performed to remove your kidney is called radicalnephrectomy. The entire organ is removed, along with section of the tube leading to the bladder (ureter), some surrounding tissue and even adrenal glands and lymph nodes. Typically a radical nephrectomy is performed for larger tumors or those that are more advanced and this is the treatment of choice for localized RCC.
This is also referred to as Conservative nephrectomy or “nephron-sparing surgery” or “kidney-sparing surgery. The surgeon removes only the tumor along with small amount of normal tissue.
The major advantage of partial nephrectomy is preserving kidney function. Patients do well after partial nephrectomy with survival rate.
2. Biologic therapy: also called immunotherapy, is designed to boost your immune system to attack the cancer cells. Enzymes or substances made by the body are used to defend, improve, target, or restore immune system function. Several immunotherapies have been approved by the FDA for use in advanced kidney cancers, which includes Interleukin-2 (IL-2, Proleukin),Alpha-interferon,Immune checkpoint inhibitors
3. Chemotherapy uses anti-cancer drugs to kill cancer cells. It can be given orally or intravenously (IV), depending on what medication is chosen. Some chemo drugs, such as floxuridine, vinblastine, capecitabine, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and gemcitabine have been shown to help several instances of kidney cancer patients.
Dr. N. Anandan is a senior consultant Apollo spectra hospitals and Kauvery hospital in Chennai. He will also be available in his Alwarpet clinic from 6 to 8 pm on weekdays and Saturdays-4 to 6 pm. One of the best urologists in Chennai, the doctor has more than 30 years experience in Urological, Andrological practice and Kidney cancer treatment Chennai. He is considered as a kidney cancer specialist and he has specialized in dealing with every type of diseases of urological system, urinary system disorders, ED, impotence, UTI etc.
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About Dr. N. Anandan
Dr. N. Anandan is a senior consultant at Kauvery hospital and Apollo spectra hospitals in ChennaiRead More