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Kidney cancer
What are the symptoms of kidney cancer?
Kidney cancer is a common tumor in urological surgery, and a typical symptom in patients with kidney cancer is the appearance of hematuria. The characteristic of this hematuria is that it is painless visible hematuria throughout the course. Initially, the severity of the hematuria is relatively mild, occurring intermittently. However, over time, the hematuria gradually worsens, and the intervals shorten, even leading to significant bleeding. Another symptom of kidney cancer is back pain, which is caused by the increased size of the tumor pulling on the kidney, causing pain. When the tumor presses, it can also lead to severe back pain. A mass is another common symptom of kidney cancer; when a mass is felt on one side of the upper abdomen or back and moves up and down with respiration, it is generally indicative of the late stages of kidney cancer. Therefore, the typical symptoms of kidney cancer are hematuria, pain, and a mass.
Is late-stage kidney cancer contagious?
Advanced kidney cancer is not contagious from person to person. Kidney cancer is when the tissues of the kidney undergo abnormal proliferation and the condition has advanced to a late stage. Generally, it is recommended that patients with kidney cancer follow a high-protein, low-salt, low-sugar diet, avoid foods that increase the metabolic burden on the kidneys, and focus on fine, refined, and soft foods to improve the efficiency of nutrient absorption. Patients can eat more fruits and vegetables to increase their intake of vitamins and fibers. It is also generally advised for patients to eat more garlic, avoid eating leftovers, overnight foods, pickled items, abstain from alcohol, especially strong spirits, and avoid smoking.
Can kidney cancer patients be contagious?
Kidney cancer is not an infectious disease, so it is not contagious. Kidney cancer actually occurs when carcinogenic changes happen in the epithelial cells of the renal tubules, leading to the formation of masses and blood in the urine within the kidneys, and can even cause kidney failure. Moreover, kidney cancer carries a certain risk of metastasis, potentially causing damage to other organs. This disease is not contagious. The so-called infectiousness of a disease is due to the presence of pathogens that can cause infection. For example, hepatitis B can be transmitted because carriers have the hepatitis B virus in their bodies. Kidney cancer, however, does not involve viruses, bacteria, or fungi, so it is not infectious.
Ultrasound manifestation of renal cancer
Kidney cancer is the most common type of kidney malignancy. Pathologically, it is mainly divided into clear cell renal cell carcinoma, chromophobe renal cell carcinoma, papillary renal carcinoma, and collecting duct carcinoma, with clear cell renal cell carcinoma being the most common. Ultrasonographically, it usually appears as round or oval masses, varying in size but generally around 2-4 cm, exhibiting low to medium echo patterns. If the tumor is larger, greater than 5 cm, it may show changes in mixed echo patterns due to possible internal bleeding or cystic changes when the tumor is large. When kidney cancer is suspected on ultrasound, it is best to further proceed with enhanced MRI or enhanced CT scanning.
Can kidney cancer patients eat sea cucumber?
Patients with kidney cancer can eat sea cucumber, but the amount should be determined based on individual conditions. It is recommended not to exceed 30-50 grams per day to avoid side effects. Consuming sea cucumber in moderation is advisable, as excessive seafood and high protein can increase the burden on the kidneys. Therefore, the specific amount should be determined according to the patient's kidney function, creatinine, and urea nitrogen levels.
Survival rate after early removal of kidney cancer
The prognosis of renal cancer is closely related to its clinical staging. If it is in the early stages, surgery is the preferred treatment and the prognosis is very good. Timely surgery followed by subsequent treatments such as immunotherapy, targeted therapy, etc., is recommended. For early-stage renal cancer, the five-year survival rate after surgical removal can exceed 90%, and some patients may live without issues for over 20 years. How long someone lives specifically also depends on the individual's constitution and physical condition.
Dietary precautions for renal cancer
Kidney cancer patients should be cautious with their diet and there are three types of food they should absolutely avoid: First, foods high in salt. Kidney cancer patients often suffer from severe kidney dysfunction, leading to edema. Consuming salty foods can increase the body's sodium content, causing sodium retention which is not metabolized in time, exacerbating the swelling. Second, high-fat foods. Excessive fat can also lead to weight gain, and high body fat can burden the kidneys. Third, foods high in potassium. With kidney cancer, patients often have inadequate kidney function and produce less urine, leading to high levels of potassium in the body. Consuming foods high in potassium can further increase blood potassium levels. Therefore, it's advisable for kidney cancer patients to avoid fruits and vegetables high in potassium.
Causes of Renal Cancer
The cause of kidney cancer is unknown, but possible factors include: First, smoking, which is a relative risk factor for kidney cancer. Second, obesity and hypertension. Third, occupation, with reports indicating that long-term exposure to metallic lead, print industry workers, coke workers, and workers shows increased risks of incidence and mortality from kidney cancer. Fourth, radiation, where long-term exposure to certain sources of radiation may increase the risk of kidney cancer. Fifth, there is a certain relation to genetics. Sixth, dietary factors, as studies have found that high intake of dairy products, animal protein, and fat, and low intake of fruits and vegetables, are also risk factors for kidney cancer.
The difference between benign and malignant kidney cancer.
The incidence of kidney cancer is also considered relatively high, with over 95% of kidney tumors being malignant, and benign tumors being less common. The distinction between benign and malignant tumors is determined by their symptomatic expression and growth patterns, and they have different impacts on the body. Generally, benign tumors grow expansively or exophytically, have a slower growth rate, and have clearer boundaries with often a capsule surrounding them. The texture and color of the tumor are close to that of normal tissues. Malignant tumors, on the other hand, exhibit the opposite characteristics.
Is kidney cancer prone to metastasis?
Kidney cancer in its early stages generally does not metastasize. If it does metastasize, it usually follows several paths: one is hematogenous or lymphatic spread, followed by local diffusion, and then the tumor invades surrounding fat or blood vessels, which is local diffusion. It is also important to note that there is a pseudo-capsule around the kidney cancer that prevents the spread of cancer cells. Metastasis is not likely when the tumor is small, but as the tumor size increases or in some special types of tumor cells, metastasis may occur.