Dr. Tushar Patil, a cancer specialist at Sahyadri Hospital Pune, provides insight into kidney cancer, including its symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options.
Introduction
Dr. Tushar Patil, a cancer specialist at Sahyadri Hospital Pune, provides insight into kidney cancer, including its symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options.
Although kidney cancer is not very common, certain risk factors have led to an increase in its prevalence. It is rarely detected in the early stages due to the kidney’s location and the mildness of its symptoms, which often include slight pain.
Common Symptoms
Common symptoms of kidney cancer include:
- Abdominal pain, particularly flank pain on the right side.
- Blood in urine, known as haematuria.
- Weight loss and fever.
If a patient experiences painless haematuria, it should be taken very seriously, as this could indicate bleeding from the urethra, bladder, ureter, or kidney.
Age and Familial History
Kidney cancer typically affects individuals aged 50 to 60 years; however, younger patients may also be diagnosed, particularly if there is a family history of cancer or hereditary syndromes that increase the risk of tumours.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is straightforward. Patients presenting with haematuria typically undergo a simple ultrasound, which can reveal any masses in the kidney. If a mass is confirmed, further imaging, such as CT scans, may be conducted to evaluate the possibility of cancer and its spread.
Treatment Options
If kidney cancer is localized, a biopsy may not be performed. Instead, surgery (nephrectomy) is usually the first step. In some cases, if the tumour is small and appropriately located, partial nephrectomy may be an option.
Types of Kidney Cancer
There are two major types of renal cell carcinoma (RCC):
- Clear cell RCC, which accounts for 90-95% of cases.
- Non-clear cell RCC, which includes various subtypes.
Management of Advanced Cancer
For advanced kidney cancer that has spread to other areas such as the lungs, liver, or bones, a biopsy is essential for type classification. Treatment typically involves targeted therapy and immunotherapy, as conventional chemotherapy is ineffective for renal cancer.
Combining Therapies
Combining targeted therapy and immunotherapy often yields better results, with over 50% of patients experiencing significant responses and improved quality of life. Side effects are generally less severe compared to traditional chemotherapy.
Monitoring and Follow-Up
Patients with metastatic kidney cancer are monitored regularly through imaging to assess treatment effectiveness.
Impact of Smoking
Smoking is a significant risk factor for developing kidney cancer. Quitting smoking can substantially decrease the incidence of this disease.
Conclusion
Patients exhibiting symptoms such as blood in the urine, fever, or flank pain should seek medical advice promptly. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial, especially for elderly individuals. For further information, patients can contact the hospital directly.
Patient Feedback

Great doctors, Good facilities, caring and helping staff. I recommend this hospital for day care services.
Sangram Shinde

All doctors r very good. There treatments is best. Other staff also good. The service of nurses is great...Hospital is always clean.
Vaishali Aitawade

All services provide by hospital are nice and on time. Doctors are polite and co-operative with patient.
Ankita Jagtap

All services provided by hospital is good. Hygiene maintained well.Even at night good care provided.