Kidney cancer is a malignant transformation of kidney tissues of various histological types. Among other oncological diseases in urology, kidney cancer ranks third.
Causes
A number of factors can be identified. Renal cell carcinoma is characterized by mutations in the third and eleventh chromosomes. Heredity plays a significant role. Insufficient anti-cancer immune protection is considered a cause of cancerous tumors. Smoking, consumption of fatty foods, prolonged and excessive use of diuretics and analgesics significantly increase the risk of developing the disease. The occurrence of cancer is possible due to exposure to a number of chemical substances and after sustained injuries. Chronic kidney failure often leads to the appearance of tumors.
Symptoms of Kidney Cancer
Small tumors in the kidneys may not cause pronounced symptoms. Signs may include pain in the lumbar region, a palpable mass, and the presence of blood in the urine. Hematuria may appear in the early stages of cancer. Later, hematuria can lead to anemia and obstruction of the ureter. Dull, aching pains in the kidneys are a sign of cancer in its later stages. Patients may notice weakness, loss of appetite, fatigue, fever, and hypertension. In the case of metastases to adjacent organs, a whole complex of symptoms may be observed: hemoptysis, neurological disorders, headaches.
Diagnosis of Kidney Cancer in Israel
To detect kidney cancer in Israel, a comprehensive examination is conducted: laboratory and instrumental studies. After assessing the medical history, a complete blood count and biochemical blood tests are ordered. The tests in cancer are significantly altered: anemia, elevated ESR, erythrocytosis, and enzymatic changes are detected.
When there is suspicion of a tumor, ultrasound of the kidneys and abdominal organs, urography, angiography, and tomography are performed. An important initial step in the disease is ultrasound examination, which allows for the detection of deformities and necrotic zones.
Treatment of Kidney Cancer in Israel
The majority of kidney cancer types in Israel are treated surgically. For this purpose, radical nephrectomy and kidney resection are performed. The choice of treatment path depends on many factors: the size of the tumor, its location, and the stage of the disease.
Radical nephrectomy can be applied at any stage of the disease. This type of intervention involves excising the site of tumor localization and all nearby areas affected by the tumor: adipose tissue, fascia, adrenal glands, and lymph nodes. Radical nephrectomy of one kidney is performed with hemodialysis and subsequent kidney transplantation.
If the tumor is no larger than 4 centimeters, kidney resection is performed to preserve the organ. Its application is justified if the patient has one kidney or if there is a bilateral tumor process. After resection, recurrences of kidney cancer are possible. Histological examination is mandatory after resection to assess the depth of tumor invasion.
Conservative methods are also used in the treatment of cancer: immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy.
Prevention
Abandoning harmful habits, healthy eating, and timely treatment of urological pathologies.