Kidney cancer ranks among the most frequently diagnosed cancers in India. It represents around 2 to 3% of all other cancer cases. It has been found that in India, kidney cancer or renal cell carcinoma affects males more than females. Approximately 2 in 1 lakh males and 1 in 1 lakh females are reported to be affected. This serious condition often goes unnoticed until it reaches the developed stage.
Understanding the symptoms and signs of abdominal swelling cancer is significant for early recognition and efficient treatment. In this blog, let’s discuss the most common signs of kidney cancer, including abdominal swelling, and how to stay aware of the symptoms and schedule checkups with doctors.
What is Kidney Cancer (Renal Cancer)?
Kidneys are one of the most vital internal organs of the human body. They help cleanse the blood by eliminating impurities in the bloodstream and producing urine. The existence of cancer cells in the kidney is known as renal or kidney cancer. This state is caused when the cells in the kidney multiply to develop a tumor.
If this tumor appears to be malignant, it turns out to be kidney cancer. Kidney cancer affects the tiny tubules in the kidney, which are responsible for absorption and water regulation. This is otherwise called renal cell carcinoma. Kidney cancer is often recognized at an early stage, which helps in easy and early treatment. However, if it has been overlooked, it proliferates and spreads to other organs.
Most Common Symptoms of Kidney Cancer
The kidneys are located underneath the ribcage, behind the other abdominal organs, surrounded by other organs. This makes it difficult for small tumors to be seen or felt during a physical exam until they have grown a bit large. It can be found during examination or treatment for other medical conditions, like back pain or kidney stones. Kidney cancer symptoms can vary among individuals.
Kidney cancer symptoms are:
1. A mass or lump on the lower back or side.
2.Hematuria (blood while urinating) is a common kidney cancer symptom. It often causes the urine to appear deep red or rusty. Hematuria is not only a symptom of kidney cancer, but also a sign of urinary infection or a kidney stone. Everyone with hematuria should consult a doctor.
3. Unexpected loss of weight.
4. Prolonged fever for a few weeks.
5. Struggling with fatigue and in poor health.
6. Throbbing pain in the abdomen, side, or lower back.
7. Swelling in the legs and ankles. This occurs when the tumor prevents the kidney from eliminating excess fluid.
All these symptoms do not mean you have abdominal swelling cancer. Although it is essential to discuss any symptoms with your physician, since there could be other health problems.
Visible Swelling in Abdomen a Symptom of Kidney Cancer?
Visible swelling in the abdomen can be a symptom of kidney cancer. It is important to note that it is not an early sign.
In the early stage, kidney cancer often grows in silence, and the symptoms go unnoticed until the tumor starts to affect the tissues surrounding it. When the swelling in the abdomen is visible, it is due to:
● Fluid development in the abdomen. This may occur in some advanced cases.
● A huge kidney tumor that is pushing outward and making the abdomen feel or look enlarged.
● Enlargement of lymph nodes and nearby organs occurred due to the spread of the cancer cells.
Note that visible swelling in the abdomen can also be the reason for other medical conditions, like digestive issues or liver disease, so it is not specific to kidney cancer. If you or your loved ones experience persistent flank pain or blood in the urine, visiting a trusted kidney hospital in Coimbatore can help you receive a proper evaluation and early diagnosis.
How Can Kidney Cancer Be Treated?
1) Surgery
Two types: Partial and radical nephrectomy. Partial nephrectomy is the removal of the tumor and the edge of healthy tissue, saving the rest of the kidney. This is preferred for smaller tumors. Radical nephrectomy is the process of removing the whole kidney, its surrounding tissue, and lymph nodes.
2) Targeted Therapy
Drugs that focus on particular molecules involved in the growth and survival of cancer cells. Targeted therapy is applied to treat advanced or metastatic kidney cancer.
3) Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is the process of using the immune system of the body to fight against cancer. It also includes checkpoint inhibitors that block proteins that prevent the immune system from attacking cancerous cells.
4) Radiation Therapy
Utilizes high-energy X-rays to destroy cancer cells. This can be used before or after surgery, and also for palliative treatment in advanced cases.
5) Ablation Techniques
Radio Frequency Ablation (RFA) utilizes heat to kill cancer cells. Cryotherapy leverages freezing to kill cancer cells. These could be used for small tumors.
Take Away
In conclusion, visible swelling in the abdomen can be one of the major kidney cancer symptoms; it is not an early symptom, and it might also be due to other medical conditions. Additionally, being conscious of other warning signs like persistent flank pain, bloody while urinating, and unexpected weight loss is vital for timely detection and treatment.
In case you or your loved ones notice these symptoms, a timely consultation with a kidney cancer specialist in Coimbatore will significantly improve treatment outcomes. Also, for advanced care, accurate diagnosis, and effective management, visiting a kidney specialist during the early stages can reduce the severity of the disease effectively.
