MODERN TECHNOLOGIES AGAINST CANCER: A CHANCE TO LIVE WITH ONE KIDNEY

Kidney cancer is one of the most complex pathologies in urology. However, when it comes to a tumor in the only functioning kidney, the situation seems even more frightening.

“Single kidney cancer is most often diagnosed in patients who have previously undergone a nephrectomy (removal of one kidney) due to a malignant tumor. Nevertheless, this is not the only scenario, and it is impossible to determine the exact causes of the malignant process,” explains Oleg Osipov, MD, oncologist at the N. Lopatkin Scientific Research Institute of Urology and Interventional Radiology (SRIUIR) – the branch of the FSBI “National Medical Research Radiological Centre” of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation.

The main problem of kidney cancer is its asymptomatic course at early stages.

“Usually, the disease does not manifest itself until the third stage. Patients begin to notice blood in the urine or experience pain in the lumbar region when the process has already gone far enough,” emphasizes our expert.

Timely diagnosis is the key to successful treatment. Tumors are often detected incidentally during an ultrasound scan of the abdomen. The diagnosis is confirmed with a computerized tomography (CT) scan with contrast. The patient is then referred to oncologists who determine further treatment tactics.

“In most cases we perform a kidney resection we remove the affected part of the organ, leaving it functioning. Our main goal is to avoid the need for hemodialysis. Moreover, surgeries are often performed without ischemia, that is, without constriction of blood vessels. This allows us to minimize tissue damage and preserve kidney function,” emphasizes Oleg Osipov.

Organ-preserving operations are the result of highly qualified surgeons and the use of advanced technologies. Only the tumor is removed, and the healthy part of the kidney remains fully functional.

“To maintain kidney health, it is important to follow a healthy lifestyle and get regular checkups. One abdominal ultrasound once a year is sufficient for most people. For patients at risk (e.g. kidney cancer survivors), it is recommended to have a check-up every six months,” advises the expert.

If you are diagnosed with a neoplasm, do not lose hope specialists of the National Medical Research Oncological Centre of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation have unique experience in the surgical treatment of such patients and always strive to preserve the organ. To make an appointment for a consultation, please contact the call-center by phone: +7 (499) 110-40-67, +7 (800) 250-87-00, +7 (495) 150-11-22.