In response to the COVID-19 health issue, we are offering telehealth as well as in-person appointments. Click to learn more.

Kidney Cancer Rarely Shows Symptoms

March 12, 2017

Kidney cancer is among the 10 most common cancers in both men and women. This video provides an overview: click to view.

According to The American Cancer Society, more than 50,000 new cases of kidney cancer will occur in 2017 and about 14,400 people will die from the disease.

Unlike many cancers, such as prostate or breast, there is no recommended screening test for kidney cancer. And because early kidney cancers do not usually produce any signs or symptoms, it is easy to go unnoticed until the disease has progressed.

This makes it especially important for those at a higher risk of developing the disease to know to the symptoms that can occur and alert their urologists with any concerns.

Symptoms can include:

  • A lump in the abdomen
  • Pain in the flank or side
  • Decreased appetite
  • Low blood count (anemia)
  • Weight loss
  • Blood in the urine (hematuria)

A variety of genetic and lifestyle choices can increase one’s risk of developing kidney cancer, including family history, obesity, smoking and some inherited conditions. You can find a full list here from the American Cancer Society.

Testing usually includes blood work, urinalysis, a CT scan, an MRI and in rare cases a biopsy. A CT scan can identify a growth in the kidney and usually determine if it is malignant.

The treatment approach depends on the patient’s condition as well as the stage and size of the tumor. If treatment is recommended, tumor removal with minimally invasive techniques using laparoscopy or robotics can often replace larger-incision approaches, which reduces pain, hospitalization and recovery time.

Treatment for a patient whose cancer has metastasized typically involves removal of the affected kidney followed by chemotherapy. Many new and promising chemotherapies are available for the treatment of kidney cancer.

Research and recent advances in technology help us understand more about kidney cancer and how to treat it. If you have concerns or questions about kidney cancer, talk with your urologist.

 

Recent Featured Blog Posts

  1. Vaping – It’s No Smoke and Mirrors When it Comes to Urinary Health Issues

    Your bladder doesn’t like arsenic. So why are at least one in 20 Americans inhaling it regularly? That is the number of Americans now vaping (not smoking cigarettes). And research shows the tiny particles inhaled from vaping pens, or e-cigarettes, contain many of the same harmful chemicals as in tobacco, a leading cause of all…

    Read More
  2. How Pregnancy Affects the Bladder: What New Moms Should Know 

    Babies and bladders have a relationship that expectant mothers typically learn about in their third trimester of pregnancy when running to the restroom becomes the norm. But for most first-time moms, it’s important to know that the effects of that relationship can linger well beyond delivery day. Childbearing is a leading cause of stress incontinence…

    Read More
  3. Joining Vas Madness? 9 Vasectomy Tips-Offs, Ahead of the Games

    More than half a million men undergo a vasectomy annually. In March that number climbs by as much as 50%.

    Read More

Virtual Assistant

Virtual Assistant

How may I assist you today?

I need help with ‘Directions & Hours’
(Please select a location from the list below)
I need help with ‘ Billing Questions’
(Please select an option below)

I need help with ‘Billing Questions’

What number should I call to pay my bill?

If your bill is from The Urology Group, please call (513) 841-7474 to pay your bill.

If your bill is from The Urology Center, please call (513) 841-7475 to pay your bill.

I need help with ‘Making, Rescheduling or Confirming an Appointment’

If you would like us to call you to set up an appointment, please click here to request a call back.

If you would like to call us, please call
513-841-7400
to speak with a representative.
Our hours are:

Monday-Friday: 7:30am – 5:00pm

I need help with ‘Questions About Test Results’

please call us at:

513-841-7400

Our hours are:

Monday-Friday: 7:30am – 5:00pm

I need help with ‘Medication Refills’

please call us at:

513-841-7400

Our hours are:

Monday-Friday: 7:30am – 5:00pm

I need help with ‘Returning a Call from the Office’

please call us at:

513-841-7400

Our hours are:

Monday-Friday: 7:30am – 5:00pm

I need help with ‘A Copy of My Medical Records’

please call us at:

513-841-7400

Our hours are:

Monday-Friday: 7:30am – 5:00pm