Male Kidney Cancer Symptoms
Topic at a Glance
- Kidney cancer is more likely to occur in males than in females
- Symptoms of kidney cancer should be evaluated by a doctor
- Treatment includes non-surgical and surgical treatments
- Prevention measures include looking after your general health
Kidney cancer, also known as renal cell carcinoma, is among the top 10 cancers a man is likely to get. Knowing the symptoms of kidney cancer can help you be alert to any changes in your body that might indicate the cancer is developing.
The team of experienced urologists at Urology of Greater Atlanta uses state-of-the-art diagnostics to identify and evaluate kidney tumors, including ureteral and renal pelvic cancer. We also offer personalized treatment plans to remove cancer and restore your health. Call our practice or make an appointment online at one of our offices in Georgia today for expert urological health care that you can trust!
What Is Kidney Cancer in Males?
Kidney cancer in males is very similar to kidney cancer in females. However, males are more likely to get kidney cancer than females.
When healthy cells within the kidney start to mutate, they can become cancerous tumors.
According to the CDC, more than 43,000 men and 25,000 women get kidney and renal pelvis cancers every year.
Types of Kidney Cancer
There are different types of cancer that ca affect the kidney:
- Renal cell carcinoma (RCC): This type of kidney cancer accounts for 85% of all cases. This type of cancer begins in the tiny tubes that filter the blood. The major RCC subtypes include clear cell renal carcinoma, papillary renal cell carcinoma, and non-clear cell renal carcinoma.
- Transitional cell carcinoma: This type often develops where your ureter connects to your kidney. This type of kidney cancer accounts for 6-7% of cases.
- Renal sarcoma: This cancer develops in the connective tissues of your kidneys. It is found in 1% of kidney cancer cases.
What Are the Kidney Cancer Symptoms (Male)?
The symptoms of kidney cancer in males are similar to those in females. Listed below are some of the symptoms of male kidney cancer.
- Blood in your urine.
- A lump or swelling in the kidney area
- Flank pain or discomfort
- A loss of appetite.
- Unexplained recurring fever
- High blood pressure
- Extreme tiredness and weakness.
- Unexplained weight loss
If you are concerned with any of these symptoms, book an appointment to speak to a healthcare professional to get a proper diagnosis.
Kidney Cancer Diagnosis (Males)
The urologists at Urology of Greater Atlanta diagnose renal cell cancer with a physical exam and various testing methods. After reviewing your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle factors, your physician will feel your back, sides, and abdomen for any lumps.
They also usually order imaging tests, including CT scans and MRIs.These imaging studies can also help identify related urinary tract cancers, including ureteral renal pelvis cancer, allowing your urologist to recommend the most appropriate treatment plan. If the imaging studies show abnormalities, your doctor may perform a biopsy to collect a kidney tissue sample to check for abnormal cells or evaluate the stage of your cancer.
Staging of Kidney Cancer in Males
Doctors will use the same staging system for kidney cancer as is used for other cancers.
Kidney cancer stages show how aggressive the cancer cells are in the kidney tumor, how the nearby lymph nodes and adrenal glands are affected, and the metastasis, or the spread of the cancer. Combining these factors will determine the stage of the cancer.
Kidney Cancer Treatment (Males)
Your urologist will create a personalized treatment plan to fight kidney cancer. If you have an elevated risk of the disease, your doctor might recommend active surveillance.
However, if your condition is more advanced, your urologist might suggest a procedure to remove the abnormal cells, such as cryotherapy or radiofrequency ablation therapy.
In severe cases, your urologist can perform surgery to remove the tumor or the entire affected kidney. They offer traditional open surgeries, as well as minimally-invasive and robotic procedures.
You might also need chemotherapy or radiation therapy to ensure that all cancerous cells have been destroyed.
Other therapies can include targeted therapy, which uses medicine to attach specific chemicals in the cancer cells or immunotherapy, which helps the immune system to fight against cancer cells.
Can Kidney Cancer Be Prevented?
There is no proven method of preventing kidney cancer. However, there are certain risk factors associated with an increased chance of developing kidney cancer.
Eliminating these risk factors can reduce the chances of developing kidney cancer. The risk factors associated with kidney cancers are listed below.
- Smoking
- Long-term medication use
- High blood pressure
- Kidney disease
- Impaired kidney function
- Diabetes
- Obesity
Eating a healthy diet, maintaing a healthy weight, and staying physically active can also help.
Prognosis For Kidney Cancer Patients
Statistics from the National Cancer Institute show that those with kidney cancer have an average 5-year survival rate of 76%. This means you are 76% as likely to survive for 5 years after a diagnosis than someone without. The rate of survival is an average and changes depending on the staging of cancer.
- Localized: The 5-year survival rate is 93% when cancer is only in the kidneys.
- Regional: The rate is 71% when cancer has spread to nearby tissues.
- Distant: The rate is 14% if cancer has spread throughout the body and is present in other organs.
Key Takeaway Regarding Kidney Cancer in Males
Kidney cancer symptoms in males are similar to those in females. If you have concerns about symptoms or are wondering if you have a pelvic tumor, be sure to seek the help of a medical professional.
Contact Urology of Greater Atlanta today or request an appointment online for expert diagnosis and effective treatment options to fight kidney cancer.
FAQs about Male Kidney Cancer
What is the most common type of kidney cancer?
The most common type of kidney cancer is renal cell carcinoma. It affects the surface of the kidney’s filtering tubes.
How is the cancer stage determined?
The cancer stage is determined by how aggressive the cancer cells are, how the nearby lymph nodes and adrenal glands are affected, and how far it has spread.
What non-surgical treatments are available for kidney cancer
Non-surgical treatments include targeted therapy, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy.
What surgical treatments are available for kidney cancer
Surgical treatments for kidney cancer may include partial or complete removal depending on the stage of the cancer.
What can be done to prevent kidney cancer?
Although there are no proven methods, eating healthy, maintaining a healthy weight, and staying physically active can help you avoid getting kidney cancer.
