Non-renal cell cancerous kidney tumors are malignant growths in the kidney that do not start in the primary filtering cells (renal tubules). The most common types include:
Urothelial Carcinoma:Also known as Transitional Cell Carcinoma (TCC), this cancer begins in the renal pelvis, the part of the kidney that collects urine. It's genetically similar to bladder cancer.
Wilms' Tumor: This is a rare, cancerous kidney tumor that mostly affects children.
Renal Sarcoma: Other rare types, such as Renal sarcomas, form in the kidney's connective tissues.
What are the symptoms of these tumors?
In the early stages, non-renal cell kidney tumors often have no noticeable symptoms. As they grow, they may cause:
Hematuria:Blood in the urine, which can make it look pink, red, or even like a dark cola.
Persistent pain: A pain in your back or side that doesn't go away.
Lump or swelling: A noticeable lump or mass in the side or back, just below your ribs.
Systemic symptoms: Feeling extremely tired (fatigue), unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, and a fever that isn't due to an infection.
What causes these tumors?
The exact causes of most non-renal cell kidney tumors aren't fully understood, but they are linked to genetic and environmental factors.
Transitional Cell Carcinoma: Similar to bladder cancer, TCC is strongly connected to smoking and exposure to certain industrial chemicals.
Wilms' Tumor: This type is typically caused by genetic mutations, and some cases are linked to hereditary syndromes passed down through families.
How are these tumors diagnosed?
Diagnosis usually begins with a physical exam and a medical history review. A doctor might feel for a mass or swelling in your abdomen or back. Further diagnostic tests may include:
Urine and blood tests: Check for blood in the urine or other important markers.
Imaging studies:CT scans, MRI scans, and ultrasounds are used to obtain a clear picture of the tumor, determine its size, and determine whether it has spread to other areas.
Biopsy: A small tissue sample from the tumor is removed with a needle and examined under a microscope. This is especially important for non-renal cell tumors to confirm the diagnosis and help guide the best treatment plan.
How are they treated?
Treatment for non-renal cell kidney tumors depends on the specific type, size, and stage of the cancer.
Surgery is often the main treatment. To remove the tumour, a nephrectomy (either partial, removing part of the kidney, or radical, removing the entire kidney) is performed. For TCC, a nephroureterectomy (removal of the kidney and the entire ureter) may be necessary.
Chemotherapy: This is frequently used for TCC, especially if the cancer has spread. It can also be used for Wilms' tumor.
Radiation Therapy: This may be used to treat tumors that can't be surgically removed or to treat areas where the cancer has spread.
Targeted therapy and immunotherapy: These advanced treatments are sometimes used for more difficult cases.
What are the risks of these tumors and their treatment?
The risks for non-renal cell kidney tumors vary. The most significant risk factor for TCC is smoking. Treatment risks include complications from surgery and side effects from chemotherapy or radiation, such as fatigue, nausea, and a decrease in blood cell counts.
What is the recovery and outlook?
Recovery depends on the type and stage of the cancer and the treatment you receive.
Recovery: A full recovery from surgery can take several weeks. Patients who undergo chemotherapy or radiation may feel very tired and have other side effects that will get better over time.
Outlook: The prognosis is generally good for tumors that are caught and treated early. For example, Wilms' tumor has a very high cure rate. However, the outlook for TCC, which has spread, can be less favourable. Regular follow-up appointments and monitoring are extremely important to check for any signs of the cancer coming back.
When should you call a doctor?
You should contact a doctor immediately if you notice any of the following symptoms:
Blood in your urine.
A new or persistent lump or pain in your side or back.
Unexplained weight loss or fatigue.
If you have any other symptoms that are concerning you, please let your doctor know, especially if you have kidney cancer risk factors. The secret to a better result is early detection.
Why choose Tender Palm Super Speciality Hospital for Cancerous Kidney Tumors treatment in Lucknow, India?
Tender Palm Hospital has the most experienced team of Uro-Oncologists and diagnostics with the latest and International standard infection control measures in Lucknow, India. The Uro-Oncology team has decades of experience in successfully treating Cancerous Kidney Tumors in Lucknow, India.
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