Renal cancer: Q&A
1. What are the early symptoms of renal cancer?
Early-stage renal cancer is often asymptomatic and frequently detected incidentally via ultrasound during a physical examination.The classic triad of symptoms—hematuria, flank pain, and an abdominal mass—indicates advanced disease.
2. What causes kidney cancer?
Risk factors for renal cell carcinoma include long-term smoking, obesity, hypertension, and occupational exposure to chemicals such as asbestos and cadmium.Genetic factors, such as VHL gene mutations, increase the risk of developing the disease.
3. What are the surgical treatment options for kidney cancer?
Standard nephrectomy involves removing the affected kidney along with the surrounding fatty capsule and lymph nodes.Partial nephrectomy is suitable for small, early-stage tumors, allowing for the preservation of renal function.Both open surgery and laparoscopic surgery are options.
4. What is minimally invasive treatment for kidney cancer?
Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy or standard nephrectomy are standard minimally invasive approaches, offering small incisions and rapid recovery.Robot-assisted surgery provides greater precision, making it particularly suitable for complex partial nephrectomies.
5. What are the targeted therapies for advanced renal cancer?
Targeted drugs work by inhibiting tumor angiogenesis.Sunitinib and pazopanib are first-line choices, while axitinib and cabozantinib are used for second-line treatment.
6. What is the mechanism of immunotherapy for kidney cancer?
Immunotherapy activates the body's immune system to kill cancer cells.Nivolumab and pembrolizumab are used for renal cell carcinoma.
7. How is follow-up conducted after kidney cancer treatment?
Regularly undergo abdominal CT or MRI scans post-surgery—every 3–6 months during the first two years.Monitor changes in renal function and watch for metastasis to common sites such as the lungs, bones, and liver.
