Kidney Cancer: Are You at Risk?

By Neetu Malhotra, MD

The kidneys are a major part of our detoxifying system. These two small bean-shaped organs clean the blood and filter waste products and toxins from the body through the urine. Kidney cancer is one of the ten most prevalent cancers. The lifetime risk for developing kidney cancer is about 1 in 46 in men and 1 in 82 in women.1

The symptoms of kidney cancer often go unnoticed or don’t begin to show until the tumor(s) has grown. However, some of the key indicators are as follows:
• Blood in the urine
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Fever or infection
• Swollen abdomen
• Lump on the side of the abdomen (with or without pain)
• Anemia
• Swollen legs and ankles
• Chronic inflammation
• High blood pressure
• Shortness of breath

If you have symptoms or your physician finds a lump during a physical examination, they will order diagnostic testing such as a renal arteriogram, MRI, CT Scan, blood and urine analysis, and a needle biopsy may be necessary.

There are some increased risk factors, which make some individuals more susceptible to renal cancer. The risks factors included:
• Being over the age of 40
• Being male
• Being black
• Smoking
• Obese
• Overuse of NSAIDs and other prescription medications
• Family History
• Chemical Exposures
• Kidney disease

Most kidney cancer appears first in the tubules of the kidneys. When the malignant cells form a tumor(s) the growth rate is typically slow, so the

likelihood of an early diagnosis is increased, and the treatment can usually be performed before the tumor has metastasized into any other organs.

Treatment
Depending on the stage and size of the tumor(s), your physician will develop a specific treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Typically, performing a nephrectomy treats kidney cancer. There are three main types of this surgical option. The first is a Partial nephrectomy, which removes the tumor and some of the surrounding tissue. The second is a Simple nephrectomy, which removes the entire kidney, and the third treatment method is a Radical nephrectomy, which removes the kidney, adrenal glands, lymph nodes, and any questionable surrounding tissue margins. These procedures can usually be done laparoscopically. Some patients may also require radiation or chemotherapy treatments.

Associates in Nephrology
Associates in Nephrology has been providing comprehensive kidney care and transplant services in Southwest Florida since 1984. Our team of nephrologists, nurse practitioners, and medical assistants are engaged in all aspects of providing the most advanced services for kidney disease and kidney transplants.

Chronic Kidney Disease Program
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) means that the kidneys have become damaged. The common causes of CKD are diabetes mellitus, hypertension, inherited diseases, and nephritis.

The purpose of the CKD program is to slow the progression of damage to the kidneys and treat associated complications such as hypertension, anemia, and bone disease. If we are unable to arrest the disease process and the kidney damage progresses to end stage renal disease (ESRD), our plan is to manage these complications while preparing patients for renal (kidney) replacement therapy. This therapy can consist of peritoneal dialysis, hemodialysis, home hemodialysis, or kidney transplantation.

Managing these complications and preparing patients for renal replacement therapy is a complex process of visits, treatment, and teaching sessions. Our medical team consists of nephrologists (kidney doctors), nurse practitioners, registered dieticians, nurses, and medical assistants.

Services Provided
Associates in Nephrology provides treatment for many kidney related conditions, as well as kidney transplant services.
• All forms of Dialysis – Hemodialysis and Peritoneal
• Diabetic Kidney Disorder
• Dietitian Services for Kidney Patients
• Disorders of Blood Chemistry
• Electrolyte Disorders
• Fluid Overload, Edema (swelling)
• Glomerulonephritis
• Hypertension
• Injections of Aranesp for Anemia related to Kidney Disease
• Kidney Transplant Services: Patient and Donor Evaluations, Post-Transplant Follow-up Care
• Lupus Nephritis
• Nephrotic Syndrome
• Pyelonephritis
• Polycystic Kidney Disease
• Recurring kidney stones
• Renal Failure
• Renal Insufficiency

We work collaboratively with a patient’s primary care physician and specialists to slow the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and prevent or manage complications such as hypertension, anemia, and bone disease. Additionally, our multidisciplinary team of professionals can assist you in arranging a wide array of supportive services and educations programs for patients in all stages of CKD. For patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), our nephrologists can prepare them for all renal replacement therapies: in-center or home hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and kidney transplant.

Associates in Nephrology
239-939-0999
www.associatesnephrology.com
Most major insurances accepted.

BONITA SPRINGS
9550 Bonita Beach Rd, 108
Bonita Springs, FL 34134

FORT MYERS
7981 Gladiolus Dr
Fort Myers, FL 33908

CAPE CORAL
1320 SE 8th St
Cape Coral, FL 33990

LEHIGH ACRES
3400 Lee Blvd, #112
Lehigh Acres, FL 33971

Source:
1. https://www.nfcr.org/cancer-types/kidney-cancer/?gclid=
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