After undergoing treatment for kidney cancer, patients and their families may have questions about coping with the disease. Often, kidney cancer survivors are reliant on loved ones for emotional and practical support. They may also experience side effects from the treatments they have undergone. It is important for cancer patients and their families to ask questions about possible side effects from treatment, both during and after the cancer treatment. Survivors are encouraged to follow good health guidelines, such as quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption. Eating healthy and managing stress are important as well. Regular physical activity can help regain strength and energy levels. A health care team can help develop an appropriate exercise program for each patient’s needs.
A CT scan is another way of diagnosing kidney cancer. This test involves taking several pictures of the internal organs to identify whether the cancer cells are growing there. The images are created through a computer program that compares the different pictures. The CT scan also helps doctors measure the size of the tumor. Initially, a non-contrast CT scan is done. Later, a contrast medium is injected into the patient’s vein to enhance the images. Contrast medium will only be taken up by the tumor and will not show up on a non-contrast CT scan.
Hereditary renal cell carcinoma (HLRCC) is another possibility. It is a rare genetic disease and is linked to an increased risk of developing kidney cancer. People with this syndrome also have an increased risk of developing tumors in their skin, brain, or other parts of the body. This genetic condition is caused by changes in the VHL gene. People with the disease should undergo a test to determine whether they have this genetic syndrome or not.
A recurrent kidney cancer is a type of cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. Those with this type of cancer will undergo additional tests and scans to determine the extent of recurrence. These tests and scans are similar to those that were performed at the time of diagnosis. The American College of Surgeons (ACS) has published the eighth edition of their Cancer Staging Manual. It is important for both patients and doctors to discuss the different treatment options and choose one that is best for them.
While the symptoms of kidney cancer are similar to those of bladder cancer, there are some variations that must be taken into consideration. If the cancer has spread to another organ or part of the body, it can be fatal. In such cases, the treatments for cancer of the kidney can vary. While the treatment for renal cell carcinoma depends on the type of tumor, the cancer treatment is usually the same as that for bladder cancer. If the disease has spread, it should be treated as soon as possible.
If the tumor is four or smaller, it does not spread to other parts of the kidney. It may have grown into the perinephric tissue or the fat that surrounds the kidneys. It has not spread into the adrenal gland located on top of each kidney. The adrenal glands produce hormones and adrenaline, which regulate many bodily functions. If the tumor has spread beyond Gerota’s fascia, it will have spread to the right atrium of the heart.
