Kidney Cancer

Kidney Cancer

Kidney cancer accounts for about 1-2% of cancers in Singapore. Like most types of cancer, it is treatable if detected and managed in its early stages.

Dr Michael Wong
Medically reviewed by Dr Michael Wong, Medical Director & Senior Consultant Urologist
FAMS (Urology), FICS (USA), FRCS (Edinburgh), M Med (Surgery), MBBS (S’pore)
Cancerous Tumor Inside The Kidney

What Is Kidney Cancer?

Kidney cancer is a type of cancer that originates in the kidney, a bean-shaped organ that eliminates waste from the body through urine and helps control blood pressure. The condition results from the growth of abnormal cells in the kidney tissue, causing a tumour to develop. In Singapore, kidney cancer is one of the top 10 most common cancers. In particular, men between the ages of 60 and 70 are at a higher risk of developing kidney cancer.
Woman having abdomen pain on the sofa at home

What Are The
Signs and Symptoms of Kidney Cancer?

Kidney cancer usually does not exhibit any symptoms during its early stages. In the later stages, signs and symptoms of the disease may include:

Blood in the urine

Fatigue

Lower back or side pain and discomfort

Abdominal mass or lump

Unexplained weight loss

Fever

What Are The
Types of Kidney Cancers?

Kidney cancer can be classified into several types, including:

Renal cell carcinoma

This is the most common type of kidney cancer that accounts for approximately 85–90% of all diagnoses.

Urothelial carcinoma

Known as transitional cell carcinoma, this occurs in the renal pelvis, a funnel-shaped area where urine is collected before it is transmitted to the bladder.

Wilms tumour

Also called nephroblastoma, Wilms tumour is a type of kidney cancer that commonly develops in children. The condition usually affects children between the ages of 3 and 4 years old.

Renal sarcoma

This is a rare type of kidney cancer characterised by the development of cancerous cells in the blood vessels or connective tissues of the kidney.
Early detection leads to better treatment options and outcomes.
If you are experiencing potential kidney cancer symptoms, schedule a consultation with our urologist at +65 6838 1212.
Enquire Here
Overweight Man

What Causes Kidney Cancer?

Cancer of the kidney has no specific known cause. A number of risk factors, however, contribute to an increased likelihood of developing the disease. These include:

Smoking

Certain genetics conditions

High blood pressure

Family history of kidney cancer

Obesity

Long-term use of certain medications

How Is Kidney Cancer Detected?

In order to diagnose kidney cancer, a kidney cancer clinic performs a number of tests and procedures, including the following:

Ultrasound or Computed Tomography (CT) scan

An imaging test can provide detailed images of the kidneys and determine the extent and characteristics of a kidney tumour.

Kidney biopsy

To detect signs of kidney cancer, a thin needle may be inserted into the kidney to obtain a sample of cells for laboratory analysis.

Cystoscopy

By inserting a thin, flexible tube with a lens and light called a cystoscope, the doctor can examine the urethra, prostate, and bladder in real time to detect blood in the urine and kidney cancer.

What Are The
Treatments for Kidney Cancer?

A wide range of kidney cancer treatment options are available depending on the type of cancer and the extent of the tumour. These include:
Surgeons At Operation In Operating Room

Surgery

Surgery is initially meant to remove the tumour while maintaining the functionality of the kidneys. In advanced stages, it may be necessary to partially or entirely remove the kidneys. Ultimately, there are different types of kidney cancer surgery, depending on the extent of the cancer.

Radiofrequency ablation

This uses electric currents to destroy cancerous cells via the insertion of a needle through the skin and into the kidney tumour.

Active surveillance

In mild cases, this simply involves regular imaging to monitor the development of kidney tumours.

Chemotherapy

This uses anti-cancer medications administered through the mouth or a vein (IV).

Immunotherapy

Certain medications are given to boost the immune system in order to aid the body in identifying and fighting off cancerous cells.
Doctor Pointing To Female Reproductive System

Are There Any Risks In
Undergoing Kidney Surgery?

Kidney surgery carries the following risks:

Formation of blood clots and bleeding

Unsuccessful or rejected donated kidney

Blockage or leakage of the ureter

Infection

However, when in the hands of an experienced urologist, you can rest assured of a safe treatment and aftercare journey.

Let us help you
Restore your urological health.
Make an appointment with Dr Michael Wong to receive a tailored, supportive and targeted care plan.
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