Renal cancer is a type of tumor originating in the kidneys, two organs whose function is to filter the blood in order to remove wastes and excess fluid from the body through urine.
Renal cancer is the third most frequent urological tumor in the adult population. We are currently witnessing an increase in the incidence and prevalence of this tumor, the causes of which are still unknown, although this increase could be associated with a higher frequency of obese patients and/or smokers.
Renal cancer mainly affects men and women between 50 and 70 years of age and originates in the renal tubule.
Currently up to 50% of renal cancer cases are detected incidentally, i.e. they are detected by chance from imaging tests (ultrasound and CT scans) performed for other causes. Classic symptoms, such as hematuria (presence of blood in the urine), lumbar pain or others are infrequent in the early stages and therefore are not usually the cause of detection.
Surgery is the curative treatment, since renal cancer is resistant to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Radical surgery (total nephrectomy) or partial surgery (partial nephrectomy) are therefore usually the treatments of choice allowing control and cure. The type of approach most commonly used for surgery is laparoscopic, as it allows recovery and early return to work, as well as an excellent aesthetic result. If detected early, most cases of renal cancer can be cured.