What are the symptoms of kidney cancer metastasis to the lungs?

Written by Li Liu Sheng
Nephrology
Updated on December 08, 2024
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Kidney cancer tumor cells are particularly prone to metastasis, with the lungs being one of the common sites for metastases. Once lung metastasis occurs in patients with kidney cancer, numerous symptoms can appear. Typical symptoms include coughing, scanty sputum, severe irritating dry cough, palpitations, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and even chest pain, as well as coughing up blood or severe hemoptysis. Therefore, patients with lung metastases from kidney cancer who exhibit these symptoms should seek medical attention promptly and undergo a lung CT scan. Additionally, patients may experience an increase in body temperature, fevers, weight loss, dizziness, anemia, and particularly fatigue. There may also be a loss of appetite and a general feeling of weakness, which should draw the patients' attention.

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Causes of Renal Cancer

The cause of kidney cancer is unknown, but possible factors include: First, smoking, which is a relative risk factor for kidney cancer. Second, obesity and hypertension. Third, occupation, with reports indicating that long-term exposure to metallic lead, print industry workers, coke workers, and workers shows increased risks of incidence and mortality from kidney cancer. Fourth, radiation, where long-term exposure to certain sources of radiation may increase the risk of kidney cancer. Fifth, there is a certain relation to genetics. Sixth, dietary factors, as studies have found that high intake of dairy products, animal protein, and fat, and low intake of fruits and vegetables, are also risk factors for kidney cancer.

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Written by Zeng Zhong
Urology
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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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Written by Zou De Bo
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Kidney cancer thrombus

Tumor thrombus is one of the common complications of tumors, and refers to cancer cells in blood vessels or lymphatic vessels similar to blood clots, i.e., cancer cells clustering together, invading the vessels, and causing abnormalities in blood coagulation function, leading to disorders in blood circulation and abnormal coagulation with clustered cancer cells. Generally, the risk of tumor thrombus formation is very high, and patients with tumor thrombus have much worse treatment outcomes than those without. Renal cancer is also a tumor commonly associated with tumor thrombus. Once a tumor thrombus occurs, it indicates that the surgery might be staged quite late, and thus, its treatment results are also relatively poor.

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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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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.