Benign renal tumor
What is a renal tumor?
Renal tumor is a group of diseases in which there is an intense growth of pathologically altered cells of kidney tissue.
Classification of neoplasms is based on the predisposition of cells to metastasize.
Classification
All tumors are divided into benign and malignant depending on the nature of occurrence.
Benign renal tumors usually occur in the renal parenchyma or the renal pelvis. They include adenomas, fibromas, lipomas, myomas, papillomas, angiomas, hemangiomas, and several other tumors. Their presence does not critically disturb the kidneys; such tumors grow slowly. If there is a benign tumor in the kidney, it is necessary to undergo regular preventive examinations to monitor the growth of the neoplasm in dynamics. Benign renal tumors are noncancerous growths that develop in the kidneys, the vital organs responsible for filtering waste from the blood and producing urine. Unlike malignant renal tumors, which are cancerous and can spread to other parts of the body, benign renal tumors typically do not pose a significant threat to health. However, their detection, diagnosis, and management are crucial to ensure they do not lead to complications or signify other underlying health issues. This article explores the various aspects of benign renal tumors, shedding light on their types, causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, and the importance of ongoing management and surveillance.
Malignant tumors are life-threatening for the patient. They are most often localized in the renal pelvis or in the renal parenchyma. The earlier the tumor is detected, the better the patient’s chances of recovery and prognosis.
Causes of kidney tumors
The exact causes of neoplasms are unknown, but several factors can provoke their development.
These include:
- “weak” immune system;
- bad habits (tobacco smoking, alcohol abuse);
- hereditary predisposition;
- working in an unhealthy workplace;
- obesity;
- toxin poisoning;
- presence in the patient’s history of chronic diseases of the urinary system;
- regular uncontrolled intake of certain medications.
Symptoms of kidney tumors
All clinical signs of the disease, regardless of the type of neoplasm, are divided into two large groups:
Renal:
- pain of varying intensity in the lower back;
- blood in the urine.
Extrarenal:
- subfebrile body temperature;
- anemia unrelated to other diseases;
- arterial hypertension;
- joint pain;
- unexplained weight loss;
- decreased appetite;
- elevated calcium levels in the blood;
- in the blood test, there is an increase in ESR, erythrocytosis, and leukocytosis.
Most of the above symptoms are nonspecific, which makes diagnosis difficult. Therefore, it is necessary to consult a specialist and undergo an examination to make a correct diagnosis.
The main insidiousness of kidney cancer is that the disease is asymptomatic in its early stages. The first visible signs appear when the tumor has already reached a large size, which makes subsequent treatment very difficult.
Diagnosis of renal tumors
When the first unpleasant symptoms appear, it is necessary to contact a specialist who will interview and examine the patient, after which he will prescribe the necessary examinations.
Blood and urine tests (general and biochemical) are prescribed to diagnose kidney tumors of various etiologies.
The following examinations may also be ordered for the patient:
- Ultrasound of the abdominal cavity and retroperitoneum, Doppler kidney scan – with this study, you can not only detect a kidney tumor on ultrasound but also estimate its size and localization;
- Radiography (excretory urography, renal angiography) – helps to perform differential diagnosis to identify the presence of tumor thrombus and metastases in nearby organs and tissues;
- MRI, CT – with the help of these studies, the type of neoplasm, its size, the presence of metastases, and the state of the surrounding tissues.
The attending physician establishes a diagnosis and prescribes therapy based on the examination results.
Treatment of kidney tumors
The choice of therapy depends on the type of tumor, its size, and several other factors. Kidney cancer is treated surgically.
The choice of surgical technique depends on the tumor location, size, current health status, and patient age. In recent years, minimally traumatic surgeries have become increasingly favored. For example, with the help of laparoscopy, kidney tumor removal is carried out with minimal consequences for the body. Due to the small number of incisions, the recovery period after surgery is also significantly reduced.
The following types of laparoscopic surgeries are distinguished:
- Resection – the tumor is removed; the organ is preserved;
- Nephrectomy – removal of the kidney with the tumor.
If endoscopic surgery is not possible, the tumor is removed by traditional open surgery. In kidney cancer, surgery is the only effective treatment.
After surgery, the patient may be given a course of chemotherapy and radiation therapy to suppress the growth of tumor cells and prevent recurrence of the disease.
All these treatment options are available in more than 650 hospitals worldwide (https://doctor.global/results/diseases/benign-renal-tumor). For example, radical nephrectomy can be done in 19 clinics across Turkey for an approximate price of $9.7 K (https://doctor.global/results/asia/turkey/all-cities/all-specializations/procedures/radical-nephrectomy).
Prevention
There are no specific methods for preventing kidney tumors. The primary preventive measure is to undergo an annual medical examination. It allows for detecting possible health problems at early stages, significantly facilitating subsequent treatment.
In addition, giving up bad habits, avoiding stress, eating right, exercising, and leading a healthy lifestyle is recommended.
Conclusion
Benign renal tumors, while generally not life-threatening, require careful evaluation to ensure accurate diagnosis and appropriate management. Advances in diagnostic imaging and minimally invasive surgical techniques have significantly improved the outlook for individuals with these tumors, allowing for effective treatment with minimal impact on quality of life. By understanding the nature of benign renal tumors, patients can work closely with their healthcare providers to make informed decisions about their care and management.
