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Kidney cancer: Men are at risk
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Kidney cancer: Men are at risk

Experts point out that one of the first indicators of kidney cancer is urinary tract issues and early diagnosis helps early intervention

Problems in the urinary tract mostly seen in men, such as low or excess urine output or pain while passing urine or a kidney infection, are early signs of kidney cancer. When Satish (name changed) a 54-year-old chemical engineer from Bengaluru started experiencing an increased urge to urinate in December 2022, he had no clue it would turn out to be cancer.

Satish consulted a urologist in early 2023 and an ultrasound scan revealed a bulge in the prostate gland. “Further, the CT scan revealed a 22 mm sized renal mass in the right kidney. This meant that I had kidney cancer,” recalls the kidney cancer survivor.

Kidney cancer, also known as renal cell carcinoma, damages the kidneys cells, says Dr Sachin Nataraj, urologist from Aster Whitefield Hospital, Bengaluru.

Causes for kidney cancer

For Satish who was a non-alcoholic, non-smoking and health-conscious person, this came as a rude shock. “I do not have high BP. I am not exposed to harsh chemicals despite being a chemical engineer. My job is largely limited to desks. Yet, I got kidney cancer. Accepting this harsh reality took me quite a few days,” said Satish.

“Unlike oral and lung cancer which is largely caused by smoking, the exact cause of kidney cancer is unclear,” says Dr Vishnu Agarwal, onco-surgeon at Jaslok Hospital & Research Centre, Mumbai. He outlines the risk factors as smoking, chronic hypertension and constant exposure to chemicals such as asbestos, cadmium or benzene.

Dr Nataraj also adds, “Other reasons could be obesity due to sedentary lifestyle, long-term use of certain pain medications (such as acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen) and a family history of kidney cancer.”

More cases of men than women

Dr Agarwal points out that chances of developing kidney cancer increases after 45 years of age. It rarely occurs in younger adults and children.

The American Cancer Society reports the chances of men developing kidney cancer is two times more than women.

“One can attribute it to differences in hormone levels (higher levels of testosterone in men) and lifestyle factors. Most cases of kidney cancer were due to smoking or occupational exposure to carcinogens and more men than women are exposed to tobacco or chemicals,” says Dr Nataraj.

Diagnosis and treatment

In Satish’s case, his cancer diagnosis was incidental. “If not for the frequent urination, I would have never consulted a doctor. I was lucky for the early diagnosis,” he said.

Dr Nataraj enumerates the three basic tests to detect kidney cancer:

  • Urine tests

    One of the earliest signs of kidney cancer is blood in the urine, which is revealed through urine tests. A urine test can also identify other conditions that may be causing symptoms related to urinary problems.

  • Blood tests

    High creatinine or calcium in blood are one of the many indicators of tumors in the kidney and this is indicated through complete blood count (CBC). Also, most people with kidney cancer also suffer from anemia (low level of red blood cells).

  • Imaging tests

    Ultrasound, CT scans and MRI scans are some of the imaging tests that can detect tumors in the kidney in the early stages.

Dr Agarwal advises those above 45 years of age with risk factors must regularly undertake urine cytology, a test that identifies cancer cells in the urine.

He points out that a biopsy (removing a piece of tissue from the body to check for cancer cells)  cannot be done for kidney cancer as the needle used can spread the cancer cells to other organs leading to metastasis.

Treatment

Kidney cancer treatment is unique to every individual. It includes surgical removal of kidneys, targeted therapies and/or immunotherapy.

Dr Agarwal points out that if it is detected before spreading to other organs, it can be treated by removing the cancerous kidney (nephrectomy) or a portion of the affected kidney (partial nephrectomy).

In Satish’s case, the cancer was detected early. “If delayed, the tumor would have grown further and blocked blood circulation to the other kidney.”

Doctors removed the renal mass from his right kidney through robot assisted surgery in March 2023. Renal DTPA scan (Diethylenetriamine pentaacetate), a painless and non-invasive procedure is recommended six weeks after the surgery to check kidney function. He was also recommended periodic ultrasound and CT scans.

Prevention

The exact cause of kidney cancer is not known, explain experts. But based on the risk factors, there are several precautions that can reduce the risk of developing the disease. Not ignoring any changes in the urinary tract is essential, say doctors.

Takeaways

  • Urinary issues are the earliest signs of kidney infection.
  • Smoking, chronic hypertension and constant exposure to chemicals are the risk factors for kidney cancer.
  • Regular tests such as blood, urine and imaging tests help in early diagnosis.
  • Active lifestyle, controlling blood sugar and hypertension reduces the chances of kidney cancer.

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