What are the characteristic manifestations of kidney cancer?

Written by Zhou Qi
Nephrology
Updated on January 16, 2025
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Kidney cancer is a type of malignant tumor. Patients with this disease may exhibit some clinical symptoms. Some patients experience dull pain in the lumbar and back area due to the large growth of the tumor, which compresses the renal capsule. As the tumor grows, it may rupture and bleed, causing the patient to have visible blood in the urine. This type of hematuria is often painless and consistent throughout; patients may also feel a mass in the abdomen. In the early stages of kidney cancer, many patients do not exhibit clinical manifestations or discomfort. Therefore, patients often only exhibit the aforementioned clinical symptoms in a more severe state, later in the progression of the disease.

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Is nephroblastoma a type of kidney cancer?

From a broad perspective, nephroblastoma belongs to kidney cancer, but its characteristics are still different. Nephroblastoma, also known as Wilms' tumor or embryonal tumor of the kidney, is the most common malignant kidney tumor in children, generally 80% of cases occur before the age of five, with an average age of about 3.5 years. The main manifestation is an abdominal mass, most often incidentally discovered by parents or doctors. Diagnosis is generally made through renal ultrasound as an initial screening, while renal CT and MRI can clearly show the extent of the tumor and the surrounding lymph nodes and organs, and whether renal blood vessels are involved. Chest X-rays or CT scans can determine if there are any lung metastases.

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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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Will there be metastasis after kidney cancer removal?

Currently, all malignancies tend to metastasize. Renal cancer is a common malignant tumor of the kidney in the urinary system. Generally, patients might not exhibit any symptoms in the early stages. The most common symptoms are usually back pain and hematuria, and some patients are diagnosed due to an abdominal mass. The primary treatment for renal cancer is surgical intervention, which is considered the preferred method and is believed to be potentially curative. For patients with stage I, II, III, and IV renal cancer, the survival rates decrease progressively. Patients with stage I and II renal cancer should have follow-ups every three to six months for three consecutive years after surgery, and then annually. Patients with stage III and IV renal cancer should have follow-ups every three months for two years post-treatment, then monthly in the third year, and annually thereafter. Early detection of metastasis is crucial for timely treatment. Therefore, even after nephrectomy, renal cancer might recur, and regular follow-ups are essential.

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Is vomiting severe in renal cancer?

Patients with kidney cancer who experience vomiting are facing a serious situation because nausea and vomiting are common symptoms among late-stage cancer patients and are often more distressing than the pain from cancer itself. Nausea and vomiting may be side effects of treatment, or they might be caused by cancer invading the digestive and nervous systems. People who are ill often feel anxious, which is also one of the reasons causing vomiting. Cancer patients need to pay extra attention to their diet, as this can greatly aid their treatment. In daily life, it is beneficial to consume more fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, focusing on light meals to ensure a balanced diet and supplement various nutrients.

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Post-nephrectomy care for renal cancer

Postoperative care measures for kidney cancer primarily include observing the patient's vital signs. After a radical nephrectomy for a large renal tumor, a significant amount of tissue is removed including the kidney, surrounding adrenal fat, and lymph nodes at the renal hilum, which results in larger surgical wounds and potentially more bleeding. Therefore, it is crucial to closely monitor for signs of bleeding and ensure that transfusions and fluid administrations are unobstructed. Secondly, careful observation and management of the wound drainage tubes are required. Thirdly, for radical nephrectomies, once the patient is past the anesthesia phase and the blood pressure is stable, a semi-reclined position can be adopted. Patients who have undergone partial nephrectomy should remain in bed for one to two weeks to prevent further bleeding, and kidney functions should be monitored. Additionally, attention should be paid to symptoms such as breath holding and difficulty in breathing. Postoperative feeding should commence once gastrointestinal function is restored; thereafter, nutrition should be enhanced to boost bodily resistance. Calming medications may be appropriately used to ease pain, facilitating movement, effective coughing, and expectoration.