The silent intruder
“One of the best ways to screen for kidney cancer is through ultrasound scans. It doesn’t carry the risk of radiation so you can safely get one every year and there’s no risk for you. So when going for a health screening or health checkup, make sure that the package includes an ultrasound scan of the abdomen, including the kidneys.”
Dr Surayne Segaran
KIDNEY cancer, though less talked about than some other forms of cancer, is a significant health concern that affects thousands of individuals each year. According to World Health Organization data from 2020, kidney cancer accounts for 2.1% of all cancers in Malaysia.
Renal cell cancer, one of the variants of kidney cancer, arises due to the abnormal replication of cells within kidney tissue, leading to the development of a tumour. The tumour’s growth can potentially extend beyond the kidney’s boundaries and spread to other areas of the body.
It can often remain asymptomatic during its initial stages and is frequently discovered incidentally through imaging tests for unrelated health concerns. This unexpected diagnosis can overwhelm patients who were not initially seeking cancer evaluation.
For this reason, consultant urological surgeon Dr Surayne Segaran at KPJ Damansara Specialist Hospital 2 emphasises the importance of raising awareness about kidney cancer and promoting regular health check-ups.
Connecting the dots
Dr Surayne says, “In Malaysia, the two biggest risks for kidney cancer are smoking and obesity. We still have a pretty high rate of smoking compared to Western countries now.”
The alarming prevalence of diabetes in Malaysia further accentuates the challenges associated with kidney cancer. It’s important to clarify that diabetes itself does not directly cause kidney cancer. However, complications arise from diabetes and high blood pressure (hypertension), which can impair kidney function, thereby complicating the management of kidney cancer.
Symptoms such as the presence of a lump in the side or back, blood in the urine, and experiencing lower back or side pain, typically manifest at later stages of kidney cancer. It’s important to note
that most kidney cancers remain asymptomatic during the early stages. Early diagnosis and treatment can greatly improve the chances of successful outcomes in managing kidney cancer.
Promising avenues
In the past, kidney cancer surgeries often involved open operations which required large incisions and longer recovery times. However, advancements in medical technology and surgical expertise have paved the way for minimally invasive approaches such as laparoscopic and robotic surgery. In suitable cases, these approaches can accurately remove tumours while keeping the healthy tissue of the kidney safe. It has also become the standard of care in many Western countries.
This innovation has significantly reduced the trauma associated with surgery, resulting in quicker recuperation periods and decreased postoperative discomfort for patients.
Dr Surayne elaborates, “The other way to treat kidney cancers is to collaborate with interventional radiologists. So instead of having surgery, surgeons can put needles into the tumour and then freeze it using cryotherapy or cook it using a microwave. These are different ways of treating it.”
This emphasises how the collaboration amongst specialists including surgeons, oncologists, radiologists and pathologists is crucial for providing optimal patient care.
Building a shield
While no approach can guarantee complete prevention, adopting a healthy lifestyle such as engaging in regular physical activity and avoiding tobacco products can potentially reduce the risk of kidney cancer.
Additionally, staying proactive about your health by scheduling an annual checkup is a crucial step in early detection and monitoring.
Dr Surayne notes, “One of the best ways to screen for kidney cancer is through ultrasound scans. It doesn’t carry the risk of radiation so you can safely get one every year and there’s no risk for you. So when going for a health screening or health checkup, make sure that the package includes an ultrasound scan of the abdomen, including the kidneys.”
He also highlights the importance of staying cautious about traditional and herbal medicines. Due to their limited regulatory oversight, these remedies might harbour harmful contaminants that could exacerbate health issues.
In the event of a cancer diagnosis, he raises the significance of seeking a second opinion. This step can provide alternative perspectives and treatment options, potentially leading to more informed decisions about your health.
“It is important to tailor the treatment approach to the patient’s individual condition – not all treatments are suitable for all patients.”
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