Kidney Cancer / Renal Cancer
Kidney Cancer Care in La Mesa, CA
Evaluation and treatment planning for kidney cancer, renal cell carcinoma, kidney tumors, blood in the urine, kidney imaging findings, kidney mass diagnosis, kidney cancer staging, surgery, ablation, and follow-up care.
Kidney cancer is characterized by a tumor that begins in the kidneys, the bean-shaped organs that help remove excess water and waste from the body through urine. Cancer that originates in the kidneys is common, with more than 60,000 people in the United States diagnosed with it each year.
Kidney cancer evaluation near San Diego.
Alvarado La Mesa Urology provides kidney cancer and kidney tumor evaluation for patients in La Mesa and surrounding San Diego communities.
Types of Kidney Cancer
There are several different types, classified by where they originate, of kidney cancer. The most common is renal-cell carcinoma, which begins in the small tubes found in the kidney. Typically beginning as a single mass, it can usually be identified before it spreads to other areas.
Other common types of kidney cancer include the following:
- Transitional-cell carcinomas
- Wilms tumors
- Renal sarcomas
Benign tumors are also often found in the kidneys, but they do not usually cause any harm to the patient.
The most common kidney cancer type begins in the small tubes found in the kidney.
Transitional-cell carcinomas, Wilms tumors, and renal sarcomas are other types of kidney cancer.
Benign kidney tumors may also be found and do not usually cause harm to the patient.
Causes and Risk Factors of Kidney Cancer
The cause of kidney cancer is unknown. It is believed, however, to be the result of a specific gene mutation that can be inherited or acquired. Factors linked to a higher risk of developing kidney cancer include the following:
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Regular exposure to certain substances
- Family history of kidney cancer
- High blood pressure
- Certain medications
- Advanced kidney disease
A person may be able to reduce the risk of developing kidney cancer by eliminating nongenetic factors such as smoking and obesity.
Smoking and obesity are nongenetic factors that may increase risk and may be reduced or eliminated.
High blood pressure, certain medications, and advanced kidney disease may be linked to higher risk.
Family history and regular exposure to certain substances may also increase risk.
Symptoms of Kidney Cancer
Kidney cancer often does not cause symptoms until it has progressed to its later stages, at which point the following symptoms may be present:
- Blood in the urine
- Back pain
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Swelling in the legs or ankles
- Lump in the abdomen or side
- Fever
If left untreated, kidney cancer can spread to other areas of the body, and symptoms can worsen.
Blood in the urine can be a sign of kidney cancer or another urinary condition and should be evaluated.
Back pain or a lump in the abdomen or side may occur as disease progresses.
Weight loss, fatigue, swelling in the legs or ankles, and fever may be present in later stages.
Seek prompt medical attention for visible blood in the urine, persistent back or side pain, unexplained weight loss, fever, or a new abdominal or side lump.
Diagnosis of Kidney Cancer
If kidney cancer is suspected, a physical examination is performed. The following tests may also be administered to confirm a diagnosis:
- Ultrasound
- CT scan
- MRI scan
- Blood test
A biopsy may also be necessary to confirm a diagnosis of kidney cancer.
Ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI scan may help identify the location, size, and appearance of a kidney tumor.
Blood testing may be used as part of the evaluation and care planning process.
A biopsy may be necessary in selected cases to confirm a diagnosis of kidney cancer.
Stages of Kidney Cancer
Once kidney cancer is diagnosed, its stage is determined.
Stage I
In Stage I kidney cancer, the tumor is confined to the kidney. Cancer has not spread to lymph nodes or other organs.
Stage II
With Stage II cancer, the tumor is confined to the kidney but is fairly large. Cancer has not spread to lymph nodes or other organs.
Stage III
With Stage III cancer, the cancer has spread into the lymph nodes adjacent to the kidney, and may have spread into the veins leading from the kidney to the heart.
Stage IV
In Stage IV kidney cancer, the cancer has spread outside the kidney to adjacent organs, and possibly to the lungs, liver, colon, bowels or abdominal wall.
Although there are others, the above staging system, which was developed by the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC), is the one used most frequently.
Treatment of Kidney Cancer
There are several different treatments available for kidney cancer. The best treatment for each patient depends on the severity and location of the disease. Surgery, because it is the only method that can thoroughly remove the tumor, is often the most effective treatment. Surgery may involve removing just the tumor, or the entire kidney.
For some patients, surgery may not be an option. Less invasive treatments are available to treat the disease for these patients, and may include the following:
- Cryoablation
- Radiofrequency ablation
- Biological therapy
After a thorough evaluation of the patient's condition, a physician is able to determine which treatment is best.
Surgery may involve removing just the tumor or removing the entire kidney, depending on the patient and disease.
Cryoablation or radiofrequency ablation may be considered for selected patients when surgery is not the best option.
Biological therapy may be part of treatment planning for certain kidney cancer cases.
Treatment Planning Factors
Treatment selection depends on the tumor size, location, stage, whether the cancer has spread, kidney function, overall health, medical history, symptoms, and patient goals.
Common questions about kidney cancer.
These answers are general educational information and are not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment. A urologist can evaluate symptoms, imaging findings, and treatment options.
What is kidney cancer?
Kidney cancer is characterized by a tumor that begins in the kidneys, the bean-shaped organs that help remove excess water and waste from the body through urine.
What is the most common type of kidney cancer?
The most common type is renal-cell carcinoma, which begins in the small tubes found in the kidney.
What are other types of kidney cancer?
Other types may include transitional-cell carcinomas, Wilms tumors, and renal sarcomas.
What increases the risk of kidney cancer?
Factors linked to a higher risk include smoking, obesity, regular exposure to certain substances, family history of kidney cancer, high blood pressure, certain medications, and advanced kidney disease.
What symptoms can kidney cancer cause?
Kidney cancer may cause blood in the urine, back pain, weight loss, fatigue, swelling in the legs or ankles, a lump in the abdomen or side, and fever, especially in later stages.
How is kidney cancer diagnosed?
Diagnosis may include a physical examination, ultrasound, CT scan, MRI scan, blood test, and sometimes biopsy.
How is kidney cancer staged?
Kidney cancer staging describes whether cancer is confined to the kidney, has grown larger, has spread to nearby lymph nodes or veins, or has spread outside the kidney to adjacent or distant organs.
How is kidney cancer treated?
Treatment depends on the severity and location of the disease. Options may include surgery to remove the tumor or entire kidney, cryoablation, radiofrequency ablation, or biological therapy.
Can kidney cancer be treated without surgery?
For some patients, surgery may not be an option. Less invasive treatments such as cryoablation, radiofrequency ablation, or biological therapy may be considered.
Where can I get kidney cancer care near San Diego?
Alvarado La Mesa Urology provides kidney cancer and kidney tumor evaluation in La Mesa, CA, serving patients from San Diego, El Cajon, Spring Valley, Lemon Grove, and nearby communities.
Credible educational references.
The educational information on this page is supported by reputable cancer and kidney health organizations. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
Schedule a kidney cancer consultation in La Mesa.
If you have blood in the urine, a kidney mass, concerning imaging results, persistent back or side pain, or questions about kidney cancer treatment options, Alvarado La Mesa Urology can evaluate your symptoms and discuss care planning.