What to do if kidney cancer recurs?

Written by Guan Hai Fang
Urology
Updated on April 16, 2025
00:00
00:00

Generally, if kidney cancer is detected early and treated effectively, the prognosis is usually very favorable. However, if it reaches a late stage, even with effective surgery and the correct comprehensive treatment plan, recurrence is more likely. At this time, it is generally recommended to adhere to the treatment plan prescribed by the hospital. Additionally, the concept of extending life with the disease is recommended here, suggesting that patients consume a large amount of meat, especially fish, to supplement the protein needed to offset the physical toll of cancer. Do not fear obesity; eat more fish. Of course, it is also important to ensure a balanced intake of comprehensive nutrients, including plenty of fruits and vegetables.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Guan Hai Fang
Urology
47sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Liu Sheng
Nephrology
59sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zou De Bo
Urology
39sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Wang Jian
Urology
1min 11sec home-news-image

Will there be metastasis after kidney cancer removal?

Currently, all malignancies tend to metastasize. Renal cancer is a common malignant tumor of the kidney in the urinary system. Generally, patients might not exhibit any symptoms in the early stages. The most common symptoms are usually back pain and hematuria, and some patients are diagnosed due to an abdominal mass. The primary treatment for renal cancer is surgical intervention, which is considered the preferred method and is believed to be potentially curative. For patients with stage I, II, III, and IV renal cancer, the survival rates decrease progressively. Patients with stage I and II renal cancer should have follow-ups every three to six months for three consecutive years after surgery, and then annually. Patients with stage III and IV renal cancer should have follow-ups every three months for two years post-treatment, then monthly in the third year, and annually thereafter. Early detection of metastasis is crucial for timely treatment. Therefore, even after nephrectomy, renal cancer might recur, and regular follow-ups are essential.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zou De Bo
Urology
1min 20sec home-news-image

Post-nephrectomy care for renal cancer

Postoperative care measures for kidney cancer primarily include observing the patient's vital signs. After a radical nephrectomy for a large renal tumor, a significant amount of tissue is removed including the kidney, surrounding adrenal fat, and lymph nodes at the renal hilum, which results in larger surgical wounds and potentially more bleeding. Therefore, it is crucial to closely monitor for signs of bleeding and ensure that transfusions and fluid administrations are unobstructed. Secondly, careful observation and management of the wound drainage tubes are required. Thirdly, for radical nephrectomies, once the patient is past the anesthesia phase and the blood pressure is stable, a semi-reclined position can be adopted. Patients who have undergone partial nephrectomy should remain in bed for one to two weeks to prevent further bleeding, and kidney functions should be monitored. Additionally, attention should be paid to symptoms such as breath holding and difficulty in breathing. Postoperative feeding should commence once gastrointestinal function is restored; thereafter, nutrition should be enhanced to boost bodily resistance. Calming medications may be appropriately used to ease pain, facilitating movement, effective coughing, and expectoration.