Kidney cancer starts in the kidneys when healthy cells grow out of control and form a tumor in the kidneys. The most common type of cancer is renal cell carcinoma in adults. It begins in the renal tubules, which clean the blood and make urine. This cancer stays within the kidney itself. Treatment of the cancer depends on which stage the cancer is, the patient’s age, health, and other factors.
This article talks about the treatments as per the stages of kidney cancer.
1. Stages I, II, or III of cancer
Stage I and II is where the cancer is located within the kidney. Stage III is where the cancer has grown and spread to the lymph nodes nearby or large veins. The above cancers at various stages are removed via surgery. Two common methods are:
This refers to partial removal of the kidney. This type of treatment is used for tumors as big as 7 cm, if it is possible.
In this type of treatment, the entire kidney is removed. The lymph nodes close to the kidneys may be removed to get rid of the cancer completely.
If the cancer has moved to the veins at stage III, the doctor may open the veins to remove the cancer. You may have to take the support of the bypass, which is also called heart and lung machine. This bypass machine stops the heart for a short time so that the cancer in the large vein can be stopped from entering the heart. Such individuals are at a high risk of cancer relapse. They can get the support of targeted medications for a year, which will lower the risk.
Adjuvant therapy is offered to patients who have undergone surgery. This is usually in clinical trials. Other local treatments include arterial embolization, radiofrequency ablation, and cryotherapy. Radiation may also be an option here. These options are offered when surgery cannot be administered. This is because the cancer has spread to other parts of the body and can return to the same area.
2. Stage IV
During this stage, treatment will depend on how far the cancer has spread and the individual’s general health. Surgery is one option. Removal of both kidneys and metastasis is an option if the individual has good health. Other treatments offered include immunotherapy along with other targeted therapies.
Sometimes, even if the tumor is removable, the cancer may have spread to other organs. In such instances, targeted therapies or immunotherapy are administered. New clinical trials of targeted therapies are being tested for new options when it comes to finding treatments for kidney cancer.
Some patients respond to palliative treatment like radiation therapy or embolization. Stereotactic radiosurgery, which is a type of radiation therapy, is also very effective in single brain metastasis.
3. Recurrent cancer
Cancer has a tendency to make a comeback. It may return to the local area or to distant organs. Treatment for recurrent kidney cancer depends on where the cancer is and what treatment was used
4. Local recurrence
Surgery may be offered for local recurrence or targeted therapies along with immunotherapy.
Foods to Eat and Avoid on the Paleo Diet
Commonly known as the “caveman” diet, the Paleo diet is all about food that used to be eaten during the Paleolithic age, which started over two million years ago. The Paleo diet limits foods that became common with the o
How to Naturally Soothe Dry and Flaky Skin
Winter weather can be beautiful with snow-covered trees and fun activities like sledding. The other thing winter brings with it is icy winds and dry weather. In fact, the lack of moisture in the atmosphere is what’s resp
Hair Gels and Their Side Effects
Be it any occasion or event, it is important to keep your hair properly styled, in place and manageable. This is achieved with the help of styling gels. The gels have been used since Ancient Egyptian times, and they woul
Top Smartphones for College Students
Is your child just starting out at university? Do you want your university-going child to start their college life well prepared in the digital age? A smartphone is a device that will keep them up-to-date with technology
Understanding SMA Type 0
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a type of a genetic disorder which is characterized by deteriorating motor neurons, wherein the nerve cells responsible for the movement of voluntary muscles get affected due to this diso
Top Smartphones for Users 50+
For many people smartphones have become more than useful, they have become a necessity. Folks use them for work, school, to take notes, plan vacations, and more. Smartphones make it easier for seniors to take advantage o
