Being informed that you have kidney cancer can be frightening. Treatment for kidney cancer is most successful when it is discovered early, like most forms of cancer. Surgery, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, or a combination of these therapies are typically used to treat kidney cancer. Metastatic cancer, also known as kidney cancer that has spread, is frequently treated with a combination of treatments. This implies that medicines are administered sequentially.
The following is a description of the typical kidney cancer treatment options:
Surgery
Surgery is the removal of the tumor along with some of the nearby healthy tissue. Surgery to remove the tumor may be the only course of action if the cancer has not progressed past the kidneys. During surgery to remove the tumor, the kidney may be partially or completely removed, along with possible surrounding tissue and lymph nodes.
The following methods are among the types of surgery used for kidney cancer:
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Radical nephrectomy- A radical nephrectomy is a procedure that involves removing the complete kidney, the tumor, and any surrounding tissue.
Partial nephrectomy- The surgical excision of the tumor is known as partial nephrectomy. The risk of getting chronic kidney disease after this kind of surgery is reduced while maintaining kidney function.
Laparoscopic & robotic surgery (minimally invasive surgery)– Instead of one large incision, as is done during a conventional surgical procedure, the surgeon makes several smaller ones during laparoscopic surgery. The surgeon will then use these tiny keyhole incisions to insert telescoping instruments to remove the kidney or perform a partial nephrectomy. The physician may occasionally carry out the procedure with robotic tools. Although it might take longer, this procedure might be less painful.
Cytoreductive nephrectomy– When the disease has spread past the kidney, a cytoreductive nephrectomy involves the surgical removal of the primary kidney tumor and the entire kidney.
Ablation
Cold and heat energy can occasionally kill cancer cells. Cryoablation or radiofrequency ablation may be beneficial for people who are not suitable for surgery.
Cryoablation– A needle is inserted through your skin and into the kidney tumor during the cryoablation process. After that, a cold vapor is used to freeze the cancer cells.
Radiofrequency ablation– A needle is inserted through your epidermis and into the kidney tumor during radiofrequency ablation. The cancer cells are then killed by an electrical current that is then transmitted through them.
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Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy treatment is the use of some medications to kill cancer cells, typically by preventing the growth, division, and production of new cancer cells.
A chemotherapy plan, also known as a schedule, typically entails a set number of cycles administered over a predetermined amount of time. A patient may take one medication at the moment or a variety of medications administered simultaneously.
Although chemotherapy is effective in treating various cancers, it is rarely used to treat renal cancer. Researchers are still looking into novel medications and drug combos.
Remember that immunotherapy has a much higher success rate in treating Wilms tumor and transitional cell carcinoma, also known as urothelial carcinoma.
Chemotherapy’s side effects can range from fatigue to infection risk, nausea and vomiting, hair loss, lack of appetite, and diarrhea, depending on the patient and the dose used. After the course of therapy is complete, these side effects typically disappear.
Radiation Treatment
High-energy X-ray particles or other particles are used in radiation therapy to kill cancer cells. Radiation oncologists are the ones who specialize in the administration of radiation therapy as a cancer treatment.
As a first-line therapy for renal cancer, radiation therapy is ineffective. However, it can be used to enhance systemic treatments’ benefits and is rarely used alone to treat kidney cancer.
When a patient cannot have surgery, radiation therapy is typically used in areas where cancer has spread rather than the main kidney tumor. When cancer has spread, radiation treatment is most frequently used. This is done to alleviate symptoms like bone discomfort or brain swelling.
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Conclusion
Options for treatment and advice are based on a number of variables, such as cancer’s cell type and stage, potential side effects, the patient’s desires, and general health. Spend some time researching all of your treatment choices, and make sure to clarify anything that is unclear. The objectives of each therapy and what to anticipate during treatment should be discussed with your doctor. Discussions of this nature are referred to as “shared decision-making.” When you and your physicians collaborate to select treatments that meet the objectives of your care, this is known as shared decision-making. Given the variety of available treatments for kidney cancer, shared decision-making is incredibly crucial.