Kidney cancer is rare; however, it is important to learn how to prevent it. This disease usually manifests itself in adulthood, between 60 and 80 years of age, and in an isolated form during childhood. Like other conditions, it does not cause discomfort until the disease is very advanced. Perhaps the moment of greatest suspicion is when the patient presents blood in the urine (hematuria). Dr. Augusto Saavedra, nephrologist at Clínica Ricardo Palma, provides us with valuable information on this type of cancer.

What factors are associated with kidney cancer?

Some factors associated with the development of this disease are: smoking, obesity, hypertension, exposure to certain chemicals, genetics, acquired cystic kidney disease, painkiller abuse, chemotherapy, chronic hepatitis C, sickle cell disease and history of kidney stones.

Why is early diagnosis of kidney cancer so important?

• Unfortunately, this neoplasm does not produce discomfort or discomfort in early stages, but when the picture is very advanced, it generates flank pain, hematuria and palpable mass. It is estimated that, at the time of evaluation, 25% of patients already have metastasis.
• At present, imaging studies allow a casual diagnosis to be made when CT scans, MRI or ultrasound scans are performed for other reasons. However, the correct thing to do is to have an annual check-up of renal functions to identify any alteration at an early stage.
• Medical reports indicate that the 5-year survival rate for this cancer varies according to the stage. For example, in stage I it is 81 to 94%, while in stage II it is 74 to 84%. Early diagnosis is key to begin treatment, which can be surgery (partial or total nephrectomy), systemic therapies (immunotherapy and targeted therapy), radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

How to diagnose kidney cancer?

This cancer is diagnosed with the help of a physical examination, imaging tests (CT scan, MRI, ultrasound, chest x-ray), laboratory tests (urine, kidney and liver function tests, complete blood count) and biopsy (only in some cases, to confirm the diagnosis).

The American Cancer Society warns that kidney cancer is one of the ten most frequent cancers among men and women and that, for reasons that are still not entirely clear, it is now diagnosed more frequently, apparently due to the quality of the various imaging studies.

Remember:

Having your kidneys checked annually, and not only when you present suggestive symptoms, will help to detect early any type of condition that could seriously compromise your health and that of your kidneys.

Dr. Augusto Saavedra
Nephrologist at Clínica Ricardo Palma