Dr. Bhavana Parikh

Kidney Cancer Doctor in Ahmedabad

Kidney Cancer

DIAGNOSIS, TREATMENTS, CAUSES

Kidney cancer is one of the cancers that can be easily treated. They also have excellent survival rates, and patients can lead a normal and healthy life after the treatment.

About Aurum Cancer Care

Welcome to Aurum Cancer Care, where we offer compassionate care and advanced treatments for kidney cancer. Led by the expertise of Dr. Bhavana Parikh, our team is dedicated to providing personalized and comprehensive care to patients battling kidney cancer.

Kidney cancer, also known as renal cancer, can be a daunting diagnosis. However, with the right treatment and support, many patients can overcome this disease. At Aurum Cancer Care, we specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of kidney cancer, utilizing the latest advancements in medical technology and therapies.

Dr Bhavana Parikh is a cancer Surgeon deals with kidney cancer, is at the forefront of innovative treatments and research in the field of oncology. With her expertise and dedication, she leads our team in delivering cutting-edge care tailored to each patient’s unique needs. Dr. Parikh is committed to providing not only effective treatments but also compassionate support to patients and their families throughout their cancer journey.

Symptoms of kidney cancer can vary, but may include:

In the early stages of kidney cancer, signs and symptoms are not noticeable. The following are some of the most common signs of kidney cancer:

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms or have concerns about kidney cancer, it is essential to seek medical attention promptly. Early detection and intervention can significantly improve treatment outcomes and quality of life.

At Aurum Cancer Care, we offer a multidisciplinary approach to kidney cancer treatment, including:

Our goal is to provide comprehensive care that addresses not only the physical aspects of kidney cancer but also the emotional and psychological well-being of our patients.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with kidney cancer, we are here to help. Contact Aurum Cancer Care to schedule a consultation with Dr. Bhavana Parikh and learn more about our personalized treatment options. Together, we can fight kidney cancer with expertise, compassion, and hope.

Types

  • Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC): Renal cell carcinoma accounts for 85% of kidney cancers. RCCs originate from the proximal renal tubules, which are responsible for filtration.
  • Urothelial Carcinoma: Also known as transitional cell carcinoma, urothelial carcinoma accounts for 5% to 10% of all adult kidney malignancies detected. This kind of cancer begins in the renal pelvis, where urine is collected just before it rushes to the bladder. It can sometimes be treated like bladder cancer.
  • Sarcoma: Sarcomas of the kidney develop in the soft tissues of the kidney, the capsule (a thin layer of connective tissue that surrounds the kidney), and the fat tissue. These are, however, rare. Kidney sarcomas frequently recur and therefore, necessitate a strict post-treatment follow-up plan.
  • Wilms Tumour: Wilms tumour is more common among youngsters, and it is handled differently than adult kidney cancers. Wilms tumours account for around 1% of all kidney malignancies.
  • Lymphoma: Lymphoma can cause both kidneys to enlarge and is linked to enlarged lymph nodes.

Causes

Although the exact cause of kidney cancer is not known, a few risk factors have been identified, and these risk factors are found to increase one’s chances of developing kidney cancer:
  • Smoking: Smoking doubles kidney cancer risk.
  • Obesity: Obese individuals are prone to developing kidney cancers.
  • Family History of Kidney Cancer: Having a positive family history of kidney cancer is a risk factor for kidney cancer.
  • Regular Usage of NSAIDs: Consumption of ibuprofen and naproxen for a long time is associated with an increased risk of kidney cancer.
  • Underlying Kidney Diseases: Being diagnosed with kidney disorders that need dialysis increases one’s risk of developing kidney cancer.
  • Infection: Hepatitis C infection increases kidney cancer risk.
  • Age: The risk of kidney cancer increases with age.
  • Hypertension: Those with hypertension or high blood pressure are at a higher risk of developing kidney cancer.
  • Von Hippel-Lindau Disease: Individuals with this genetic disorder are at a higher risk of getting kidney cancer.
  • Previous Treatments for Cervical Cancer or Testicular Cancer: Those who have received treatment for cervical cancer and testicular cancer are more prone to develop kidney cancer.
  • Exposure to Harmful Chemicals: Exposure to hazardous chemicals, such as cadmium and certain herbicides increases one’s risk of getting kidney cancer.

Diagnosis

There are multiple tests recommended by doctors for the detection and diagnosis of kidney cancers. Before any test, a thorough physical examination and medical history assessment are done in order to understand the cause of the signs of symptoms that a patient has presented oneself with. If kidney cancer is suspected, the doctor may recommend the following tests:

a. Blood Tests: Blood tests do not help with a definitive diagnosis, but they can hint at an underlying kidney problem that needs medical attention. Blood tests may also help in knowing if the disease has spread to nearby organs.

b. Urine Cytology/Urine Tests: Urine tests are also recommended to check for traces of blood, which are only visible under a microscope. Many patients with kidney cancers tend to have blood in their urine and this makes urine cytology a reliable testing method.

c. Imaging Tests: Imaging tests, such as MRI scan, PET/CT scan, etc., provide detailed structures of the kidneys, and if the tumour is present, these tests can provide comprehensive data, such as the size, shape, exact location, grade, etc.

These imaging tests are also used for disease staging, treatment planning, monitoring the treatment given and restaging the disease amidst the treatment.

d. Biopsy: Biopsy is the best way to receive a definitive diagnosis of all solid tumours, including kidney cancer. During this procedure, a small sample of tissue is collected and examined under a microscope for the presence of cancerous cells.

If bone metastasis is suspected, a bone scan may also be recommended.

Treatment

The treatment suggested by the doctor depends on the stage of kidney cancer. It may also depend on other factors, such as the size of the tumour, exact location, underlying medical conditions, the patient’s age and overall condition of the patient. Following are the treatment options available for kidney cancer

a. Active Surveillance: For patients who are too old to undergo aggressive treatment or have a smaller tumour or are diagnosed with other serious medical conditions like heart disease, lung disease or kidney disease, active surveillance may be recommended. During active surveillance, the doctor will closely monitor the tumour through regular tests and appointments.

b. Surgery: Surgery is the main line of treatment for kidney cancers. Kidney tumours can either be operated through open surgery or minimally invasive surgery. Minimally invasive procedures include robotic surgery and laparoscopic surgery; both these procedures use tiny incisions to insert the instruments and operate the tumour. Reduced blood loss, fewer treatment-related complications, lesser pain and faster recovery are some of the advantages of minimally-invasive procedures.

The different types of surgical methods used by the doctors are as below:

  • Nephrectomy: Nephrectomy is a surgical procedure recommended for kidney cancer. This procedure removes the kidney, a margin of healthy tissues surrounding the tumour and the lymph nodes close to the tumour. In some cases, the adrenal gland may also be removed. Open nephrectomy is one in which the tumour is accessed through a single big incision. Minimally invasive nephrectomy, on the other hand, uses smaller incisions to operate the tumour. A video camera and small surgical equipment are inserted through these incisions. The surgeon performs this procedure with the help of a video monitor.
  • Nephron-sparing Surgery (Partial Nephrectomy): During this procedure, the surgeon removes only the tumour and a small portion of normal tissues that surround the tumour. The entire kidney is not removed. This procedure is ideal for early-stage kidney cancers. Partial nephrectomy may also be considered if the patient has only one kidney.

In cases where complete removal of the tumour is not possible, surgery may be performed to remove as much tumour as possible. Doctors may also recommend surgery for the tumours that have spread to other organs from the kidney.

c. Radiation Therapy: It is a non-invasive medical procedure that uses high-energy radiation beams, such as X-rays to destroy cancer cells. Radiation therapy may be combined with other treatment modalities, such as surgery and chemotherapy in order to enhance the overall effectiveness of the treatment.

In the case of advanced-stage kidney cancers, radiation therapy may be recommended to ease symptoms, such as pain, especially in cases where the disease has spread to bones.

d. Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy is a novel treatment approach that strengthens the patient’s own immune system. When cancer cells create unique proteins that help them hide from immune system cells, the body’s disease-fighting abilities may be hampered. In such cases, immunotherapy may help the immune cells regain their ability to identify cancer cells and destroy them. Immunotherapy may be recommended along with other treatments as a part of the multimodal treatment plan.

e. Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is not the main line of treatment for kidney cancers. However, in a small percentage of cases, chemotherapy is recommended for kidney cancer management. This treatment method uses strong medications that are able to destroy the cancer cells throughout the body. Chemotherapy drugs may be administered orally or intravenously.

In most cases, kidney cancers are treated with a multimodal approach; chemotherapy may be combined with other treatment modalities, such as surgery and radiation therapy for successful clinical outcomes and better survival rates.

f. Targeted therapy: Targeted therapy is a type of cancer treatment that focuses on specific vulnerabilities or indicators found in cancer cells. Targeted therapy may be able to inhibit these vulnerabilities and hence kill cancer cells through a variety of mechanisms. Targeted therapy is a personalised treatment approach, and not all patients are eligible for this.

FAQs

Kidney cancer, also known as renal cancer, is a type of cancer that starts in the cells of the kidney. There are several types of kidney cancer, with renal cell carcinoma being the most common.

Risk factors for kidney cancer include smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, certain inherited conditions, and long-term dialysis treatment. Family history of kidney cancer and certain genetic mutations may also increase the risk.

Common symptoms of kidney cancer include blood in the urine, persistent pain in the side or lower back, a lump or mass in the side or abdomen, fatigue, unexplained weight loss, and fever that persists for an extended period.

Diagnosis of kidney cancer typically involves a combination of imaging tests such as CT scans, MRI scans, or ultrasounds, as well as a biopsy to confirm the presence of cancerous cells.

Treatment options for kidney cancer depend on various factors, including the stage and aggressiveness of the cancer, as well as the patient’s overall health.

Treatment may include surgery to remove part or all of the kidney, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy.

The prognosis for kidney cancer varies depending on the stage at diagnosis and other individual factors. Early-stage kidney cancer often has a good prognosis, especially if it is diagnosed and treated promptly. However, advanced kidney cancer may be more challenging to treat and may have a poorer prognosis.

While it’s not always possible to prevent kidney cancer, certain lifestyle changes may help reduce the risk, such as quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, and controlling high blood pressure.

There are various support resources available for people with kidney cancer and their families, including support groups, online communities, counseling services, and educational materials provided by organizations such as the American Cancer Society and the National Kidney Foundation. Additionally, many healthcare facilities offer specialized cancer care teams to provide comprehensive support throughout the treatment process.

Every Patient Deserves

Best Care and Treatment

Dr Bhavana Parikh DNB (Oncosurgery)