Kidney Cancer Care with Arkansas Urology

Kidney Cancer Overview

Most people have two functional kidneys, protected by muscles of the back and the ribcage, which produce urine that drains through the ureters and into the bladder.

The kidney performs many other critical bodily functions, such as controlling fluid balance, regulating electrolytes, preventing acid buildup, eliminating waste products and regulating blood pressure. The kidney also manufactures a hormone called erythropoietin that stimulates the production of red blood cells. When the kidneys are damaged or when a significant portion of kidney tissue is removed, many of the processes listed above may suffer or shut down, leading to conditions such as high blood pressure, anemia, and impaired kidney function.

The most common type of kidney cancer in adults is renal cell cancer, which occurs slightly more often in males and is usually diagnosed between the ages of 50 and 70. Renal cell cancer is a disease in which malignant cancer cells form in tubules of the kidney and grow into a mass called a tumor. These tiny tubules filter and clean the blood, taking out waste products and making urine. In most cases, a single tumor develops, although more than one tumor can develop within one or both kidneys. Noncancerous kidney tumors are also possible, but malignant tumors pose a greater risk. Developing kidney cancer often happens silently, making regular screenings critical.

Kidney Cancer and Risk Factors

Risk factors for renal cell cancer include:

  • Smoking
  • Obesity
  • Diuretic use or high blood pressure
  • Chronic kidney failure and/or dialysis
  • Misusing certain pain medicines, including over-the-counter pain medicines, for a long time
  • Having certain genetic conditions, such as von Hippel-Lindau disease or hereditary papillary renal cell carcinoma
  • Family history of kidney cancer
  • Polycystic kidney disease
  • Diet with high caloric intake or fried/sautéed meat
  • Low vitamin E intake
  • Tuberous sclerosis
  • Exposure to asbestos, blast furnaces and ovens used in iron/steel manufacturing

Certain risk factors, such as obesity and high blood pressure, can be modified by maintaining a healthy weight and managing blood pressure through lifestyle changes and medication. Individuals with increased risk factors should prioritize regular check-ups with a healthcare provider. Understanding these risk factors can help decrease the chances of developing kidney cancer.

Symptoms of Kidney Cancer

Renal cell cancer may cause these symptoms:

  • Blood in the urine
  • A lump in the abdomen
  • A pain in the side that doesn’t go away
  • Loss of appetite
  • Fever
  • Weight loss for no known reason
  • Anemia

Other conditions may cause the same symptoms or there may be no symptoms in the early stages. Symptoms may appear as the tumor grows. Consult your healthcare provider or urologist if any of these symptoms occur. As kidney cancer increases in size, symptoms can become more pronounced.

Diagnosis

Your doctor may use the following tests to examine the abdomen and kidneys, and detect and diagnose renal cell cancer:

  • Physical exam and history
  • Blood tests and chemistry studies
  • Urinalysis, or urine test
  • Liver function test; an abnormal amount of an enzyme released by the liver can be a sign that cancer has spread to the liver
  • Intravenous pyelogram (IVP), or a series of X-rays of the kidneys, ureters and bladder to find out if cancer is present in these organs
  • Ultrasound exam
  • CT scan or CAT scan
  • MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging
  • Biopsy

A kidney cancer diagnosis often relies on imaging tests and may be confirmed with a biopsy. Early stages of kidney cancer can be caught through routine screening, especially in patients at increased risk. Imaging tests are vital for evaluating kidney tumors, renal pelvis involvement, and lymph nodes near the kidney and adrenal gland.

According to the National Cancer Institute, staying informed about screening recommendations and understanding risk factors can significantly impact survival outcomes for patients.

Treatment

Once the urologist diagnoses the type and stage of cancer you have, an appropriate treatment plan can be outlined. Before starting treatment, you may want to think about taking part in a clinical trial. A clinical trial is a research study to help improve current treatments or explore new treatments for patients with cancer. Choosing the most appropriate cancer treatment is a decision that should involve your family and healthcare team.

Common Treatment Options

For renal cell cancer, five types of standard treatment are used:

Surgery to remove part or all of the kidney, including:

  • Partial nephrectomy: A surgical procedure to remove the cancer within the kidney and some of the tissue around it. This may prevent loss of kidney function when the other kidney is damaged or has already been removed.
  • Simple nephrectomy: A surgical procedure to remove the affected kidney only
  • Radical nephrectomy: A surgical procedure to remove the kidney, the adrenal gland, surrounding tissue and, usually, nearby lymph nodes

A person can live with part of one working kidney, but if both kidneys are removed or not working, the person will need dialysis (a procedure to clean the blood using a machine outside of the body) or a kidney transplant (replacement with a healthy donated kidney).

When surgery to remove the tumor is not possible, a treatment called arterial embolization may be used to shrink the tumor. Many patients also undergo radiation or chemotherapy after surgery to ensure that all cancer cells are destroyed.

  • Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiology or other types of radiation to kill cancer cells or keep them from growing. There are external and internal radiation therapies.
  • Chemotherapy is a cancer treatment that uses drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells, either by killing the cells or by stopping them from dividing.
  • Biologic therapy is a treatment that uses the patient’s immune system to fight cancer. This type of cancer treatment is also called biotherapy or immunotherapy.
  • Targeted therapy uses drugs or other substances that can find and attack specific cancer cells without harming normal cells.

Patients should discuss all renal cell cancer treatment options with their healthcare team to determine the best individualized treatment plan. Therapies like radiofrequency ablation may also be considered for some tumors. Protecting the healthy kidney cells during treatment is crucial for long-term kidney function.

Clinical Trials and Advanced Treatments

Arkansas Urology offers access to clinical trials and cutting-edge therapies for patients who qualify. Clinical trials can provide opportunities for innovative renal cell cancer treatment that may not yet be widely available. Participation is voluntary, and your healthcare provider will help you decide if a clinical trial is right for you. Options such as participation in trials for renal medullary carcinoma or rare types like Wilms tumor are available.

Why Early Diagnosis Matters

Kidney cancer detected at an early stage often allows for more treatment options and better outcomes. Cancer spread can occur when tumors grow unchecked, reaching the lymph nodes, lungs, bones, or other organs. Early stages of kidney cancer typically have better survival rates, with many patients responding well to surgery or targeted therapies. Regular screenings and working closely with a trusted healthcare provider improve the chances of identifying kidney cancer before it progresses.

Kidney Cancer Doctor – Arkansas Urology

Choosing the right Kidney Cancer Doctor in Arkansas is crucial for effective diagnosis, treatment planning, and long-term health. Arkansas Urology is home to board-certified urologists with specialized expertise in managing renal cell carcinoma, transitional cell carcinoma, and rare tumors like renal medullary carcinoma. Our kidney cancer doctors work closely with each patient to develop personalized treatment plans based on the latest research and clinical advancements.

From imaging tests and surgical removal to participating in cutting-edge clinical trials, Arkansas Urology offers comprehensive care for patients across Arkansas. Trust your kidney health to a dedicated Kidney Cancer Doctor in Arkansas at Arkansas Urology.

Schedule Your Appointment

If you have noticed symptoms like blood in your urine, unexplained weight loss, persistent pain in the side, or simply have a family history of kidney cancer, do not wait. Scheduling regular screenings with a urologist can help catch kidney cancer in the early stages when treatment is most effective.

Our team at Arkansas Urology is ready to provide expert care for all types of kidney cancer, including renal cell carcinoma and transitional cell carcinoma. Through advanced imaging tests, surgical removal options, radiation therapy, and clinical trials, we tailor the best treatment plan for you.

Take control of your health today. Call Arkansas Urology to schedule your appointment with a specialist in kidney and adrenal gland health. Early detection saves lives. Let us help you maintain healthy kidneys and prevent the cancer spread to other organs. Whether treating a kidney tumor or managing developing kidney cancer, Arkansas Urology delivers expert care designed to protect your health.

Kidney Cancer Physicians

Our medical team is committed to providing patients with expert renal cell carcinoma care, personalized treatment plans, and support throughout every stage of their journey. Early detection and treatment are key to improving outcomes for individuals facing kidney cancer. Arkansas Urology’s skilled physicians specializing in kidney cancer include:

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