Treatment Plans for Renal Cancer

Written by Wang Jian
Urology
Updated on March 15, 2025
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The treatment principles for kidney cancer vary depending on the stage of the cancer. For localized or locally advanced kidney cancer, surgical treatment is primarily used. For advanced kidney cancer, a comprehensive medical treatment approach is mainly used. Surgical treatment is typically the first choice for treating kidney cancer and is currently recognized as a curative method. In early stages, kidney-sparing surgery or radical nephrectomy can be performed using either laparoscopic or open surgery. For mid to late-stage kidney cancer patients, radical nephrectomy is commonly performed as an open surgery. For advanced kidney cancer, treatment primarily involves medical management, which may include surgical removal of the affected kidney. Additionally, treatments can be supplemented with immunotherapy or targeted therapy to improve treatment efficacy. Therefore, different stages of kidney cancer require different treatment plans.

Other Voices

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Written by Xu Chun Hua
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Can you have sexual intercourse after kidney cancer removal?

After kidney cancer removal, based on an individual's physical condition, sexual activity can still be undertaken. Radical nephrectomy is also the best treatment method. During the surgery, it is often necessary to fully expose the area, first ligating the renal pedicle to prevent squeezing cancer cells into the bloodstream during surgery, while also removing the fascia and fat around the kidney, along with the lymph nodes at the hilum. After the surgery, it is also necessary to complement this with immunotherapy, such as using interferons and interleukins for immune treatment. Patients with kidney cancer can engage in appropriate sexual activities after surgery, but they should not be too strenuous, aiming not to feel tired the following day.

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Written by Zou De Bo
Urology
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The difference between benign and malignant kidney cancer.

The incidence of kidney cancer is also considered relatively high, with over 95% of kidney tumors being malignant, and benign tumors being less common. The distinction between benign and malignant tumors is determined by their symptomatic expression and growth patterns, and they have different impacts on the body. Generally, benign tumors grow expansively or exophytically, have a slower growth rate, and have clearer boundaries with often a capsule surrounding them. The texture and color of the tumor are close to that of normal tissues. Malignant tumors, on the other hand, exhibit the opposite characteristics.

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Written by Guan Hai Fang
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Can kidney cancer patients eat mutton?

Patients with kidney cancer should pay attention to maintaining a balanced intake of nutrients and avoid consuming spicy and stimulating foods, as well as foods that may increase the metabolic burden on the kidneys. It is advisable to minimize or avoid consumption of lamb. Patients should also avoid drinking alcohol, especially strong spirits, and refrain from smoking and eating pickled items or leftover meals, as these may aggravate the cancer condition. It is recommended to eat garlic and consume fruits and vegetables like cucumbers, pears, and peaches, such as apples, pears, and apricots, to increase intake of vitamins and fiber. The daily diet should be light, with an emphasis on high protein intake, including more fish in the diet.

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Written by Zou De Bo
Urology
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Difference between Renal Cancer and Renal Pelvis Cancer

First, the sites of the disease are different; renal pelvis cancer usually occurs in the epithelium of the renal pelvis or calyces, while renal cancer typically originates from the epithelial cells of the renal tubules. Second, the presentations are different; hematuria is a common symptom of both renal pelvis cancer and renal cancer. However, in renal pelvis cancer, hematuria can occur early, while in renal cancer, hematuria may not be seen until the tumor has invaded the renal pelvis or calyces. Third, the diagnostic tests are different; the clinical diagnosis of renal cancer heavily relies on CT scans, whereas renal pelvis cancer primarily depends on excretory or retrograde urography, that is, CT urography. Fourth, the CT appearances are different; on CT scans, renal cancer typically shows as a multicystic lesion with more pronounced enhancement during contrast than that seen in renal pelvis cancer. Fifth, the results of cytological examinations are different; cytology of renal pelvis cancer may show positive tumor cells, but renal cancer might test negative.

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How is kidney cancer diagnosed?

Hematuria, pain, and lumps are the main symptoms of kidney cancer. If one or two of these symptoms appear, the possibility of kidney cancer should be considered. About half of the patients are found to have incidental kidney cancers, also known as asymptomatic kidney cancers, during physical examinations through incidental findings on ultrasound or CT scans. Some may show early symptoms of metastasis making the diagnosis quite challenging. The preoperative diagnosis of kidney cancer relies on the results of medical imaging examinations such as ultrasound, X-rays, and CT scans. CT scans have a very high confirmation rate for kidney cancer and are currently the most reliable imaging method for diagnosing kidney cancer.