Kidney Cancer Treatment
Kidney Cancer Treatment in India
Overview
Kidney cancer treatment in India is significantly more affordable—60–70% cheaper—than in Western countries such as the U.S. and the U.K. India is also a leading destination for medical tourism due to advanced technology and expert doctors.
Symptoms of Kidney Cancer
- Appetite loss
- Lump in the abdomen or side
- Blood in urine
- Anemia
- Fatigue and weight loss
- Swelling in feet
- Persistent unexplained fever
Stages of Kidney Cancer
Stage I
- Tumor <=7 cm in diameter
- Confined to the kidney
Stage II
- Tumor >7 cm
- Still confined to the kidney
Stage III
- Tumor spreads outside the kidney into nearby tissue or lymph nodes
Stage IV
- Tumor spreads to distant organs or multiple lymph nodes
Diagnosis of Kidney Cancer
Tests and Procedures
- Urine and Blood Tests: Indirectly suggest cancer via blood or infection markers
- CT Scan: 3D image to confirm tumor size and location
- Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP): Uses contrast dye and X-rays to examine urinary tract
- Biopsy: Tissue sample examined to confirm type and stage of cancer
- Ultrasound with Probe: Imaging to detect abnormal masses
Types of Treatment
Surgery
- Laparoscopic Nephrectomy: Minimally invasive removal of tumor/kidney
- Open Nephrectomy: Traditional method with larger incision
Radiation Therapy
- Used less commonly for kidney cancer but may be used for symptom relief or metastases
Targeted Therapy
- Drugs target specific genes or proteins in cancer cells
Immunotherapy
- Boosts immune response to fight cancer
Chemotherapy
- Less commonly used for kidney cancer but may be effective in some cases
Side Effects of Treatment
- Depression or anxiety
- Appetite loss
- Bloating
- Constipation
- Hair loss (alopecia)
- Mouth and lip sores
- Vomiting, dizziness
- Scarring
- Breathing difficulty
- Skin irritation
- Insomnia
- Fatigue
Cost Factors
- Hospital and room type
- Surgeon’s experience
- Pre- and post-operative diagnostics
- Medication
- Follow-up care
- Type of treatment selected
Why Choose India?
- Cost-effective care
- Highly qualified oncologists and urologists
- Leading cancer hospitals with international standards
- Advanced surgical and diagnostic technologies
- Comprehensive support for international patients
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What Are the Stages of Renal Carcinoma?
A:
- Stage I: Tumor <=7 cm, 5-year survival >90%
- Stage II: Tumor >7 cm, confined to kidney, survival >75%
- Stage III: Spread to major blood vessels, adrenal gland, survival lower
- Stage IV: Spread to distant organs like lungs, brain, liver, survival <10%
Q: How Is the Treatment Plan Established?
A: By a multidisciplinary team including oncologists and nephrologists. They assess:
- Cancer type and location
- Cancer stage
- Involvement of other organs
- Patient’s health and preferences
Q: What Are the Side Effects of Treatment?
A: Varies based on method. Common side effects include hair loss, vomiting, and mouth sores.
Q: What Is Laparoscopic Nephrectomy?
A: A minimally invasive surgery removing the tumor while preserving healthy kidney tissue. It offers:
- Less pain
- Faster recovery
- Fewer complications compared to open surgery