Is kidney cancer the same as uremia?

Written by Zhou Qi

Nephrology

Updated on February 17, 2025

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Kidney cancer and uremia are two completely different concepts. Kidney cancer refers to the presence of a malignant tumor, which is a malignant lesion in kidney-type tissues. Certain cells in the kidney are in a state of limitless proliferation, continuously replicating to form kidney-like masses, and may cause hematuria, or even squeeze kidney tissues affecting their function. Uremia, on the other hand, refers to long-term chronic damage to the kidneys from various diseases, leading to the destruction of over 90% of kidney tissue, rendering the kidneys unable to excrete metabolic waste. This results in azotemia, electrolyte disorders, and other complications, a state known as uremia. Patients with kidney cancer, if the damage to kidney tissues is not severe, may still have normal kidney function. However, if severe problems occur in both kidneys, kidney cancer could also lead to uremia, although this situation is relatively rare.

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Written by Zou De Bo

Urology

37sec

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early symptoms of kidney cancer

Early symptoms may include hematuria, which is often painless, intermittent, and visible throughout. Hematuria caused by renal cancer is often due to blood clots blocking the fallopian tubes, and the clots can form stripes through the ureter. Secondly, back pain may occur, which is another common symptom of kidney cancer. It is mostly dull pain felt in the back and may be caused by the growth of the tumor. Thirdly, a mass may appear, which can be felt in the abdomen during a medical examination. Generally, feeling a mass in the abdomen is possibly a symptom of the advanced stage.

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Written by Zou De Bo

Urology

39sec

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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.

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Written by Wang Jian

Urology

1min 11sec

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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.

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Written by Wang Jian

Urology

58sec

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Treatment Plans for Renal Cancer

The treatment principles for kidney cancer vary depending on the stage of the cancer. For localized or locally advanced kidney cancer, surgical treatment is primarily used. For advanced kidney cancer, a comprehensive medical treatment approach is mainly used. Surgical treatment is typically the first choice for treating kidney cancer and is currently recognized as a curative method. In early stages, kidney-sparing surgery or radical nephrectomy can be performed using either laparoscopic or open surgery. For mid to late-stage kidney cancer patients, radical nephrectomy is commonly performed as an open surgery. For advanced kidney cancer, treatment primarily involves medical management, which may include surgical removal of the affected kidney. Additionally, treatments can be supplemented with immunotherapy or targeted therapy to improve treatment efficacy. Therefore, different stages of kidney cancer require different treatment plans.

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Written by Wang Jian

Urology

1min 22sec

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Is Stage 2 kidney cancer considered early stage?

Kidney cancer refers to a malignant tumor that occurs in the kidney. The causes of kidney cancer are not particularly clear at present, but are related to genetics, smoking, obesity, hypertension, and the treatment of hypertension. Most early-stage kidney cancer patients are found to have asymptomatic kidney cancer during health check-ups, and these patients account for more than 50% to 60% of all kidney cancer cases. Patients with kidney cancer generally experience back pain and hematuria, and some patients may present with an abdominal mass. Stage II kidney cancer is considered early-stage kidney cancer. For the treatment of kidney cancer, a clear diagnosis first requires a CT scan and enhanced CT of the kidney. The preferred treatment method for stage II kidney cancer is radical nephrectomy, which can be performed using laparoscopic surgery or traditional open surgery, with laparoscopic surgery primarily favored at present. After kidney cancer surgery, regular follow-ups are necessary to prevent distant metastasis. Therefore, post-operative check-ups should occur every 3 to 6 months for the first three years, followed by an annual follow-up thereafter. Hence, stage II kidney cancer, being early-stage, can be cured.