Kidney Cancer
Comprehensive evaluation, specialized follow-up and kidney function care after treatment
What is it?
Kidney cancer is the abnormal growth of cells in kidney tissue. Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) accounts for more than 90% of cases. Early detection significantly improves prognosis.
More Common in Adults
Represents 3-4% of all cancers in adults, most frequent between ages 60-70
Incidental Detection
More than 50% are detected incidentally during imaging studies for other reasons
Types of Kidney Cancer
The cell type determines treatment and prognosis
Clear Cell
70-75% of cases, the most common subtype of renal cell carcinoma
Papillary
10-15% of cases, second most frequent type, with two variants
Chromophobe
5% of cases, generally with better prognosis than other types
Wilms Tumor
Rare in adults, more common in children, requires specialized treatment
Risk Factors and Symptoms
Knowing the risk factors helps in early detection
Risk Factors
- Smoking (increases risk up to 50%)
- Obesity and overweight
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure
- Family history of kidney cancer
- Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease
- Exposure to certain chemicals (trichloroethylene)
- Advanced chronic kidney disease
Warning Signs
- Blood in urine (hematuria)
- Persistent lower back or side pain
- Palpable mass or lump in abdomen
- Unexplained weight loss
- Persistent fatigue and weakness
- Recurrent fever without infection
- Anemia (low red blood cell levels)
Many cases are detected at early stages without symptoms during imaging studies for other causes. The "classic triad" (blood in urine, pain, mass) appears only in 10-15% of advanced cases.
Staging (TNM)
The stage determines prognosis and treatment options
Stage I
Tumor 7cm or less limited to kidney
5-year survival: >90%Stage II
Tumor >7 cm limited to kidney
5-year survival: 75-80%Stage III
Extension to major veins, adrenal gland or lymph nodes
5-year survival: 50-60%Stage IV
Metastasis to distant organs (lung, bone, liver, brain)
5-year survival: 10-20%Diagnostic Methods
Specialized studies for precise detection
CT Scan
Study of choice for tumor characterization and staging
MRI
Evaluates extension to veins and soft tissue involvement
Renal Ultrasound
First study to distinguish solid vs cystic masses
Renal Biopsy
Histological confirmation when diagnosis is uncertain
Blood Tests
Kidney function, blood count, inflammation markers
PET-CT
In advanced cases to detect distant metastases
Treatment Options
Personalized multidisciplinary approach according to stage and patient condition
Surgery
- Radical nephrectomy (complete kidney)
- Partial nephrectomy (preserves tissue)
- Laparoscopy or robotic surgery
- First option in stages I-III
Targeted Therapy
- Tyrosine kinase inhibitors
- mTOR inhibitors
- Blocks tumor growth
- For advanced or metastatic disease
Immunotherapy
- Checkpoint inhibitors
- Pembrolizumab, nivolumab
- Activates immune system against cancer
- High effectiveness in advanced cases
Active Surveillance
- For small tumors (<3 cm)
- Elderly patients or high surgical risk
- Monitoring with periodic imaging
- Intervention if it grows or changes
Ablation
- Cryoablation (freezing)
- Radiofrequency ablation (heat)
- Minimally invasive
- Alternative to surgery in selected cases
Post-Treatment Follow-up
- Kidney function monitoring
- Early detection of recurrence
- Single kidney management
- Prevention of complications
Kidney cancer treatment is multidisciplinary, involving oncologists, urologists and nephrologists. The nephrologist plays a crucial role in monitoring kidney function after treatment.
Prognosis and Follow-up
Early detection is key to a better prognosis
Good Prognosis Factors
- Early stage detection (I-II)
- Small tumor size (<7 cm)
- Clear cell type
- Absence of metastasis
- Preserved kidney function
Specialized Follow-up
- Periodic imaging (CT or MRI) per protocol
- Kidney function monitoring (creatinine, GFR)
- Early detection of recurrence (first 3 years)
- Single kidney or reduced function management
- Cardiovascular risk factor control
Nephrologist's Role
- Preservation of post-treatment kidney function
- Management of renal complications
- Medication adjustment according to kidney function
- Prevention of chronic kidney disease
- Coordination with oncology and urology team
Why Choose Dr. Pamela Vázquez?
Certified Experience
Over 7 years of experience in nephrology and oncologic patient management
Comprehensive Evaluation
Complete kidney function evaluation and early detection of alterations
Multidisciplinary Approach
Close collaboration with oncologists and urologists for comprehensive care
Renal Preservation
Specialist in protecting and optimizing post-treatment kidney function
Continuous Follow-up
Long-term monitoring to prevent renal complications
Humanized Medicine
Care with warmth, understanding and professionalism in difficult times
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