How To Treat Renal Cell Carcinoma With A Nephrectomy
You are constantly hearing prevention information for breast, prostate and skin cancer. On the other hand, kidney cancer does not get as much attention, but is one of the most common cancers that affect adults. Renal cell carcinoma is a disease that causes malignant cells to form on the lining of the small tubes in your kidney. Most kidney cancers are treated with urology surgery because you can function with one kidney. Read on to find out how to treat renal cell carcinoma with a nephrectomy.
How Does Cancer Affect Your Kidneys?
The kidneys are part of your urinary system. They get rid of excess fluid, electrolytes and waste from your blood. This organ also regulates blood pressure and controls the production of your red blood cells. If your kidneys become diseased, then it is impossible for them to carry out these functions.
What Are The Symptoms?
In the early stages, renal cell carcinoma are not that noticeable. If you experience symptoms, then it is a sign that your cancer has spread. These symptoms may include night sweats, fever, fatigue, weight loss, ankle swelling, blood in the urine, pain in the lower back and a lump in the back or side.
When To Consider Surgery?
Surgery is recommended depending on the stage and location of your cancer. This type of cancer cause a mass of infected cells to developed inside of your kidney. A nephrectomy is done to remove the mass of cancerous cells. You want to prevent the cells from spreading to other parts of your body.
Partial And Radical Nephrectomy
There are are two types of nephrectomy, which are partial and radical. A partial nephrectomy is a surgical procedure that removes the cancer with some of the surrounding kidney tissue. A radical nephrectomy removes the entire kidney, the attached adrenal gland and the surrounding tissue.
Surgery is also an option when the cancer has spread to other organs. Some patients with renal cell carcinoma may live longer with the removal of their kidney. A nephrectomy can help alleviate symptoms like bleeding and pain.
Many traditional urological surgical procedures require long hospital stays, large incisions and extensive recovery. However, this surgery can be done laparoscopically, which means small incisions. When a surgery is less invasive, your recover is usually shorter. Sickness takes a physical toll on a family. If you are diagnosed with cancer, then you should explore your treatment options.Talk with a doctor such as James R Bollinger, M.P. for more information.
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