Kidney Cancer Treatment | Allen Sim Urology

Kidney Cancer

What is kidney cancer?

Kidney cancer, also known as renal cancer, occurs when malignant cells form in the tissues of the kidneys. The kidneys, two fist-sized organs located on either side of the spine, play a vital role in filtering waste from the blood and producing urine. When abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in the kidneys, they can form a tumour, which may spread to other parts of the body if left untreated.

Kidney cancer commonly affects older adults, with most diagnoses occurring in people over the age of 60. It is also more prevalent in men than in women. Although kidney cancer is often asymptomatic in its early stages, as the tumour grows, symptoms such as blood in the urine, persistent pain in the back or side, unexplained weight loss, and fatigue may appear.

Kidney cancer comes in various types, each with distinct characteristics and treatment approaches.

	Type of Kidney Cancer	Description
1.	Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC)	The most common form, accounting for about 85-90% of cases. It starts in the kidney's small filtering units, the renal tubules.
2.	Urothelial Carcinoma	Also known as transitional cell carcinoma, this cancer begins in the lining of the renal pelvis, where urine collects before moving to the bladder.
3.	Wilms Tumour	A rare type mostly found in children, but rarely seen in adults. Early diagnosis often leads to successful treatment.
4.	Renal Sarcoma	A rare and aggressive cancer originating in the connective tissues of the kidney. Surgical treatment is typically required.
5.	Lymphoma	Though uncommon, kidney lymphoma is part of a systemic spread of lymphoma and is usually treated with chemotherapy rather than surgery.

What causes kidney cancer?

Kidney cancer, particularly renal cell carcinoma (RCC), develops when genetic mutations occur within the kidney cells, leading to uncontrolled cellular growth. These mutations often affect genes responsible for regulating cell division, growth, and apoptosis (cell death). In healthy kidneys, cells grow, divide, and die in an orderly manner. However, in cancerous kidneys, mutations disrupt this balance, causing cells to multiply excessively, forming a mass or tumour.

A key mechanism involves mutations in tumour suppressor genes, such as the VHL (Von Hippel-Lindau) gene, which normally helps regulate cell growth by controlling proteins that promote new blood vessel formation. When the VHL gene is inactivated or mutated, it leads to the overproduction of proteins like VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor), resulting in abnormal blood vessel growth and fueling tumour expansion. Other genes, such as PBRM1, BAP1, and SETD2, may also play a role in further disrupting the normal functioning of cells and contributing to the progression of kidney cancer.

This continuous growth and the failure of the body’s mechanisms to trigger normal cell death allow the tumour to spread, potentially invading nearby tissues or metastasizing to other parts of the body.

What are the symptoms of kidney cancer?

Kidney cancer often goes unnoticed in its early stages, but as the tumour grows, various symptoms may start to appear. These symptoms can vary in severity, depending on the cancer’s stage and location.

Here are the common symptoms of kidney cancer:

Blood in the urine (hematuria), which may appear pink, red, or brown
Persistent pain in the back or side (just below the ribs)
A lump or mass in the abdomen
Unexplained weight loss
Fatigue or weakness
Fever that is not linked to an infection
Loss of appetite
Anaemia (low red blood cell count)

These symptoms often emerge as the cancer progresses and should prompt immediate medical evaluation.

Who is at risk of kidney cancer in Singapore?

In Singapore, kidney cancer is becoming increasingly common, particularly among certain populations. While the exact cause remains unclear, various risk factors increase the likelihood of developing this disease. Here are the key risk factors for kidney cancer in Singapore:

Age

Most cases occur in individuals over 60 years old.

Gender

Men are more likely to develop kidney cancer than women.

Smoking

Smokers have a significantly higher risk of kidney cancer.

Obesity

Excess body weight is associated with increased risk of kidney cancer.

High blood pressure

Hypertension has been linked to a higher incidence of kidney cancer.

Family history

A family history of kidney cancer can increase the likelihood of developing the disease.

Chronic kidney disease

Those with long-term kidney disease, particularly those on dialysis, are at higher risk of kidney cancer.

Exposure to certain chemicals

Chemicals such as aniline dye and heavy metals may raise the risk of kidney cancer.

How is kidney cancer diagnosed?

At Allen Sim Urology, we understand how concerning it can be to face a possible diagnosis of kidney cancer. That’s why we take a comprehensive and personalised approach to ensure accurate diagnosis and treatment. Here are the common methods we use to diagnose kidney cancer:

01. Ultrasound

Our urologist will utilise this non-invasive test that uses sound waves to create images of the kidneys, which can help detect any abnormal masses.

02. CT Scan (Computed Tomography)

This imaging technique provides detailed cross-sectional images of the kidneys and can reveal the size and location of a tumour.

03. MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

For a more detailed image, an MRI uses magnetic fields and radio waves to visualise kidney structures and detect potential cancer.

04. Biopsy

In some cases, our team of experts will take a sample of kidney tissue and examine it under a microscope to confirm the presence of cancer cells.

05. Urine tests

While not definitive for kidney cancer, urine tests may reveal blood or abnormal cells that prompt further investigation.

06. Cystoscopy

If blood in the urine is present, the doctor may perform a cystoscopy to examine the bladder and urethra for other potential issues.

What are the treatment options for kidney cancer in Singapore?

At Allen Sim Urology, we develop a personalised treatment plan after monitoring your health condition and the stage of your cancer. After thorough diagnosis, we discuss the most suitable options with you to ensure the best possible outcome. Here are the common treatment options we offer for kidney cancer:

Surgery

Surgery is often the primary treatment, particularly for early-stage kidney cancer. We may perform a partial nephrectomy , where only the tumour and part of the kidney are removed, or a radical nephrectomy, where the entire kidney is removed. Minimally invasive techniques such as laparoscopic or robotic surgery are often used to reduce recovery time.

Targeted therapy

For advanced kidney cancer, targeted therapy may be used to attack specific proteins or pathways that contribute to cancer growth. This treatment is often administered through oral medications.

Immunotherapy

This option helps boost your immune system to better fight cancer. Immunotherapy drugs, like checkpoint inhibitors, are often used for advanced stages to slow down cancer progression.

Monitoring

In cases where the cancer is small and slow-growing, especially in older patients or those unfit for surgery, we may recommend closely monitoring the cancer with regular scans.

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)

For patients who cannot undergo surgery, we use minimally invasive techniques like RFA, which uses heat to destroy the cancer cells.

If you have been experiencing any symptoms of kidney cancer, such as blood in the urine or persistent pain in the back, don’t wait— schedule an appointment with Allen Sim Urology today for a thorough evaluation and personalised treatment plan.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

01. Can kidney cancer spread to other parts of the body?

Yes, kidney cancer can spread (metastasize) to other areas such as the lungs, bones, liver, and brain. This is known as metastatic kidney cancer and may require more advanced treatments like immunotherapy or targeted therapy.

02. How fast does kidney cancer grow?

The growth rate of kidney cancer varies depending on the type and stage. Some tumours grow slowly and can be monitored (active surveillance), while others may grow more aggressively and require immediate treatment.

03. Can kidney cancer affect both kidneys?

In rare cases, kidney cancer can occur in both kidneys. If this happens, treatments like partial nephrectomy (removal of part of the kidney) may be used to preserve as much kidney function as possible.

04. Can I live with one kidney after treatment for kidney cancer?

Yes, many people live normal, healthy lives with one kidney. After a partial or complete nephrectomy, the remaining kidney can typically function well enough to meet the body’s needs.

05. What are the chances of kidney cancer coming back after treatment?

The risk of recurrence depends on the cancer stage and type, but regular follow-ups with imaging tests can help monitor for any signs of recurrence. Early-stage kidney cancers have a high survival rate, especially when treated promptly.

06. What is the recovery time after kidney cancer surgery?

Recovery time varies depending on the type of surgery. Minimally invasive procedures like laparoscopic or robotic surgery generally result in a quicker recovery, with many patients returning to normal activities within a few weeks.

07. Does kidney cancer require chemotherapy?

Unlike other cancers, kidney cancer does not typically respond well to standard chemotherapy. Targeted therapies and immunotherapy are more commonly used for advanced cases of kidney cancer.