Cancer of the kidney is a type of cancer called solid cancer. It happens more in women than men. It is coded on chromosomes. The predisposing factors are certain chemicals as it is prevalent in some regions of the world more than others.

The disease has many cellular types. It starts as a small region which causes no symptoms then it enlarges to cause some alarming symptoms and signs. When these remarks are noticed, the disease is considered advanced.

These symptoms are enlargement of the flank and pain in the corresponding side of the abdomen. The signs are the appearance of blood in the urine and sometimes in the sputum! The last observation is very dangerous as it signals the presence of distant disease in the lung. It is then important to let a urological check up done every year for the early detection of disease. This makes such finding per ultrasonography early and easy to treat. Kidney cancer sends some cells through the blood to distant parts of the body such as the lung bones and liver. The treatment of the early stage is the removal of the kidney.

The disease is classified into 4 stages. The treatment of the late stage is through interferon, Immune therapy and gene therapy.

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Kidney Cancer
The tumor is located in the interior of the kidney,
however, could grow outward.

Who qualifies for the operation?

Patients who have good general health and early stage of the disease. This means the cancer is confined to the kidney and there is no disease inside the lymph nodes.

How does the operation work?

The operation is done through an incision under the lower margin of the chest on the side of the diseased kidney. The peritoneum is opened. The abdominal organs are cared off and are delivered to the outside of the body. The kidney, ureter, vein and artery of the kidney are precisely identified. The artery is clamped and cut between two clamps. It is double legated for security. Assurance is made that only one or two arteries exist.

The vein of the kidney is palpated to be sure that there is no tail (metastasis) of the cancer inside it. It is clamped between two clamps and divided carefully. The vein is then double legated. The ureter is clamped and legated in a similar way. The kidney is removed with sharp preparation. Care must be drawn then to the small gland present above the kidney which is  connected to the kidney through one of its arteries. This gland must be removed as well after securing its blood vessels.

One or two of the lymph nodes are removed for staging of the disease. The abdominal organs are then returned to the abdomen in order of sequence and the wound is closed in layers.

How to prepare yourself for the operation?

This is not an ambulant surgery. It must be done in the hospital, but preparations are the same as any other surgery.

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Incision

Frequently asked questions (FAQ):
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1. How does cancer of the kidney develop?
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It is a solid cancer. It is very similar in origin and behavior to the cancer of the breast. It develops due to genetic changes coding it to result in over activity of the cells which grow to be cancer cells.
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2. Are there stages for the disease?
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Yes, they are 4 stages which affect the management modality of the disease.
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3. Is there a treatment?
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The best chance is considered when the disease is detected at a very early stage. The removal of the kidney and putting the patient under strict urological observation are a must. The advanced disease is treated using interferon. The presence of distant disease in the lung is considered as a late stage.
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4. What is the age limit after the detection of the disease?
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This is published scientifically. The chance for survival longer than 5 years is high if the stage of the disease is early. This depends also on the rush removal of the organ and the after care.
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5. What is the quality of life after the operation?
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The operation aims at the removal of the kidney. This means the removal of the aggressive and consuming cells. The patient can work 6 months after the operation depending on his general condition. The quality of life after the operation is near normal within one year of start of treatment. It is also expected to suffer under some loss of the quality of life if the stage of the disease is advanced.
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6. Could cancer of the kidney be treated with chemotherapy?
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No, the treatment of advanced stage is through interferon, gene therapy and Immune therapy.
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7. What are the expectations, when the disease appears in the lung or liver?
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They are limited. Treatment should be diverted to keep the quality of life as good as possible.
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8. How many days should I stay in the hospital after the operation?
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Seven to 10 days are usually necessary for the healing of the wound.