Abnormal cell growth that occurs in any part of the kidney gives rise to kidney cancer. Apart from removing waste through urine, the organ also regulates blood pressure and maintains electrolyte balance. About 90% of all kidney cancers in adults are renal cell carcinomas that develop in the cells that line the tubules of the nephron (the functional unit of the kidneys). At earlier stages, there are usually no signs or symptoms. Indications that develop gradually over time include blood in the urine, lower back pain, tiredness, fever, and unexplained weight loss. Based on the symptoms and medical history, healthcare providers recommend different tests and procedures to diagnose the disease.
Diagnosis of kidney cancer
Kidney cancer diagnosis is done through several biochemical, cellular, and imaging tests. Having a health insurance plan that covers the cost of these diagnostic tests and treatments can be beneficial.
- Blood and urine tests: Kidney cancer may disrupt the release of the hormone erythropoietin, which is essential for the formation of red blood cells. Therefore, kidney cancer may result in anaemia. Blood in the urine is one of the signs of kidney disease. Blood and urine tests may give the doctor some information about the signs and symptoms of the patient.
- Imaging tests: Imaging of the kidneys using techniques like X-rays, Computerised Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), and Ultrasound can help find any abnormality in the kidney.
- Biopsy: If blood tests and imaging scans suggest any abnormality in the kidney tissues, then a biopsy is needed for confirmation. In a biopsy, a small tissue sample from the abnormal area of the kidney is removed and sent to the laboratory to look for signs of cancer.
When a kidney lesion is diagnosed as cancer, the next step is to identify the stage of the cancer. Stages of kidney cancer are assigned from stage I to stage IV and require additional imaging scans to determine its spread to other organs and lymph nodes.
Conclusion
Kidney cancer often manifests without early symptoms. As it progresses, signs and symptoms may emerge. Diagnosis relies on various tests, including blood and urine analysis to detect abnormalities, imaging tests to identify kidney issues, and potentially a biopsy to confirm cancerous tissue. Staging, from I to IV, determines the cancer progression and treatment decisions. Early diagnostic measures are invaluable in managing kidney cancer, a condition impacting both waste elimination and overall health.