7 March 2019 Author : Kris Maes The kidneys are part of the urinary system, and their main function is to filter the blood in order to remove residues and other substances that are subsequently eliminated in the urine. Renal cell carcinoma is the most common form of kidney cancer. It represents about 80% to 85% of the primary tumours of this organ. Kidney cancer is more frequent in men aged between 50 and 70. Main risk factors for kidney cancer The following risk factors for kidney cancer: Smoking; Obesity; High blood pressure; Dialysis; Repeated exposure to toxic compounds. Symptoms of kidney cancer The symptoms of kidney cancer, where they exist, can be common to several other diseases. Therefore, a diagnosis of kidney cancer requires detailed medical assessment and additional diagnostic tests. The symptoms most frequently associated with kidney cancer are: Presence of blood in the urine; Pain or presence of a nodule in the lumbar region or stomach region; Weight loss with no apparent cause. Treatment of kidney cancer The treatment of kidney cancer depends on the type of tumour, the stage of evolution of the disease (localised or advanced) and the specific characteristics of each patient. In view of the above, it can involve: Surgery; Cryosurgery; Radiofrequency ablation; Medical therapy (chemotherapy, immunotherapy, among others); Conservative approach, with periodic monitoring and reassessment. Surgery in kidney cancer In localised renal cell carcinoma (without metastases), surgery is usually curative . The surgical treatment of renal cancer may involve: Radical nephrectomy (removal of the entire affected kidney); Partial nephrectomy. Radical nephrectomy is more common in large tumours , when neighbouring structures (e. g. kidney vessels or perirenal fat) are involved and as long as the second kidney is healthy. Radical open-surgery nephrectomy remains the option of choice for large renal tumours. In some cases, an incision can be made in the flank region. In other cases, a larger abdominal incision is required. For medium-sized kidney tumours, radical nephrectomy by laparoscopy or robot-assisted laparoscopy is preferred. Partial nephrectomy is the most common option for smaller tumours and in patients with lesions in both kidneys or changes in renal function. For small renal tumours measuring 5 to 6 cm or less, a partial nephrectomy is increasingly opted for. In this surgery, only the tumour is removed, together with a safety border of healthy tissue, with preservation of the remaining functional renal tissue. The kidney artery is clamped while the tumour is being excised in order to prevent excessive bleeding. The shorter the time during which the circulation is interrupted, the less damage there will be to the renal tissue. Results achieved to date favour the robot-assisted approach in partial nephrectomy. The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
