What are the symptoms of kidney cancer?

Written by Li Liu Sheng
Nephrology
Updated on November 19, 2024
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Kidney cancer is a common tumor in urological surgery, and a typical symptom in patients with kidney cancer is the appearance of hematuria. The characteristic of this hematuria is that it is painless visible hematuria throughout the course. Initially, the severity of the hematuria is relatively mild, occurring intermittently. However, over time, the hematuria gradually worsens, and the intervals shorten, even leading to significant bleeding. Another symptom of kidney cancer is back pain, which is caused by the increased size of the tumor pulling on the kidney, causing pain. When the tumor presses, it can also lead to severe back pain. A mass is another common symptom of kidney cancer; when a mass is felt on one side of the upper abdomen or back and moves up and down with respiration, it is generally indicative of the late stages of kidney cancer. Therefore, the typical symptoms of kidney cancer are hematuria, pain, and a mass.

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Written by Zou De Bo
Urology
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early symptoms of kidney cancer

Early symptoms may include hematuria, which is often painless, intermittent, and visible throughout. Hematuria caused by renal cancer is often due to blood clots blocking the fallopian tubes, and the clots can form stripes through the ureter. Secondly, back pain may occur, which is another common symptom of kidney cancer. It is mostly dull pain felt in the back and may be caused by the growth of the tumor. Thirdly, a mass may appear, which can be felt in the abdomen during a medical examination. Generally, feeling a mass in the abdomen is possibly a symptom of the advanced stage.

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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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Written by Wang Jian
Urology
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What is good to eat after kidney cancer surgery?

If kidney cancer is detected early, it can be cured through surgery. Unlike some malignant tumors, kidney cancer has good treatment outcomes. If the cancer is less than four centimeters in diameter, the five-year survival rate after surgery can exceed 90%. If it is less than seven centimeters, the five-year survival rate after surgery can also reach 80%. Even if the cancer has metastasized to distant sites, removing the kidney can still help the patient's survival. Therefore, the earlier the tumor is detected, the better the treatment outcomes. Kidney cancer surgery is generally done through laparoscopy or open surgery. Postoperative diet should be high in protein, fiber, and nutrients, as the healing of the kidney cancer incision also requires a solid nutritional foundation. It is necessary to eat less spicy and stimulating food, and to maintain a low-salt, low-fat diet. The most important thing for kidney cancer is to have regular follow-ups to understand the recovery situation and check for any recurrence or metastasis of the tumor.

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Written by Shen Jiang Chao
Radiology
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Ultrasound manifestation of renal cancer

Kidney cancer is the most common type of kidney malignancy. Pathologically, it is mainly divided into clear cell renal cell carcinoma, chromophobe renal cell carcinoma, papillary renal carcinoma, and collecting duct carcinoma, with clear cell renal cell carcinoma being the most common. Ultrasonographically, it usually appears as round or oval masses, varying in size but generally around 2-4 cm, exhibiting low to medium echo patterns. If the tumor is larger, greater than 5 cm, it may show changes in mixed echo patterns due to possible internal bleeding or cystic changes when the tumor is large. When kidney cancer is suspected on ultrasound, it is best to further proceed with enhanced MRI or enhanced CT scanning.

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Written by Zou De Bo
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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.