Kidney cancer or renal cancer refers to the abnormal growth of cells in the kidney. Renal cell cancer, in which kidney cells grow uncontrollably and form a tumour, is the most prevalent form of kidney cancer.

Men are twice as likely to develop kidney cancer compared to women, and it typically affects individuals between the ages of 65 and 74.

What are the types of kidney cancer?

There are four types of kidney cancer, which include:

• Renal cell carcinoma (RCC): RCC, also known as renal cell cancer, is the most prevalent type of kidney cancer among adults and accounts for 85% of kidney cancer cases. This cancer often manifests as a tumour in one kidney but can sometimes affect the other kidney. RCC starts in the cells that line the kidney tubules.
• Transitional cell carcinoma: This cancer accounts for 6-7% of kidney cancer cases. The cancer typically starts at the region where the ureter joins the kidney's main body. This area is known as the renal pelvis.
• Renal sarcoma: This is the least prevalent type of kidney cancer, accounting for only 1% of kidney cancer cases. If left untreated, the cancer, which develops in the connective tissues of kidneys can spread to neighbouring organs and bones.
• Wilms tumour: This is the most prevalent form of kidney cancer among children. It accounts for 5% of kidney cancer cases and primarily affects kids between the ages of 3 and 4. After the age 5, its prevalence significantly decreases.

What are the risk factors of developing kidney cancer?

The risk of developing kidney cancer is increased by the following risk factors:

• Smoking
• Overweight or obese
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Family history of kidney cancer
• Older age
• Treatment for kidney failure (dialysis)
• Having certain inherited genetic disorders

What are the signs and symptoms of kidney cancer?

There may not be any observable symptoms of kidney cancer in its early stages. While a person with kidney cancer may not always experience noticeable symptoms, typical signs and symptoms include:

• Fatigue
• Fever
• Appetite loss
• Lower back pain or flank pain
• Weight loss
• Blood in the urine (haematuria)
• Anaemia
• A mass or lump in the kidney region

How do doctors diagnose kidney cancer?

Kidney cancer can be diagnosed using a variety of procedures. The tests used to diagnose kidney cancer include:

• Blood tests to check the amount of each type of blood cell. It may reveal anaemia or an impaired renal function (by observing the creatinine count).
• Urine tests (urinalysis) to examine the urine for signs of haematuria (presence of blood in the urine).
• Imaging tests such as computed tomography (CT) scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or ultrasound help visualise kidney tumours or any other abnormalities by providing images of the inside of the body.
• Renal mass biopsy, which involves the collection of a tissue sample to be observed under a microscope for the presence of cancer cells. However, this procedure may not always be required.

Learn more about the different types of screening and diagnostic procedures performed to diagnose kidney cancer.

How is kidney cancer treated?

A number of factors such as the stage and grade of cancer, as well as the patient’s age, health condition and preference determine the treatment for kidney cancer.

Surgery, ablation, targeted drug therapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy and chemotherapy are among the available treatment options.

• Surgery is the preferred treatment for most stages of kidney cancer. A partial nephrectomy (removal of the tumour from the kidney) or a complete nephrectomy (removal of the entire kidney, as well as any surrounding tissue or lymph nodes) are two surgical procedures used to remove the cancer.
• Ablation kills cancer cells through the use of heat and cold. The procedure is particularly beneficial for individuals who are unable to have surgery. In cryoablation, cancer cells are frozen using cold gas, whereas radiofrequency ablation heats and kills cancer cells using an electric current.
• Radiation therapy may be suitable in cases where the patient only has a single kidney or if they are ineligible for surgery. It uses powerful radiation to kill cancer cells and occasionally to regulate or lessen kidney cancer symptoms.
• Targeted drug therapy focuses on inhibiting specific traits of cancer cells, thereby subsequently inhibiting the progression of cancer.
• Immunotherapy uses drugs to boost and reinforce the immune system to kill cancer cells.
• Chemotherapy is typically not used for kidney cancer treatment. However, it may be helpful in some scenarios and is only administered following immunotherapy and targeted drug therapy.

Learn more about the different types of treatment technologies to treat kidney cancer.

What can I do to reduce the risk of developing kidney cancer?

While kidney cancer is not always preventable, certain measures can be taken to reduce the risk of developing kidney cancer. These include:

• Quitting smoking
• Keeping a healthy weight
• Managing certain conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes
• Being physically active
• Eating a healthy diet

Do I need to get screened for kidney cancer?

As with other cancers, early detection provides the best chance for kidney cancer to be treated. However, there are currently no available routine screening tests for individuals who are not at risk of developing kidney cancer.

For people who are at high risk of developing kidney cancer, imaging tests can typically be used for the detection of small kidney cancers. If you notice any potential signs of kidney cancer, schedule an appointment with your doctor immediately.

Make an appointment at Pantai Hospitals

Early detection of kidney cancer makes it easier to treat the disease with effective and appropriate treatment. A dedicated multidisciplinary team of specialists and oncologists at Pantai Hospitals is available for consultation to provide the best care and assistance to patients through screening, diagnosis, and treatment.

Get in touch with us to book an appointment today if you have any concerns or questions about kidney cancer treatment options.

Pantai Hospitals have been accredited by the Malaysian Society for Quality in Health (MSQH) for its commitment to patient safety and service quality.