Kidney cancer originates in cells of the kidney. It occurs when normal cells in one or both kidneys begin to grow at an inexplicably high rate, leading to the formation of lumps. Here, we will talk about the various stages of kidney cancer and and treatment options available.

Different Stages of Kidney Cancer
Cancer has different stages. In the initial stages, the cells mutate to become precancerous.

• Localized
  The tumor is only restricted to one or both the kidneys.
• Regional
  It has spread to nearby tissues.
• Distant
  The tumor has spread to distant body organs, such as the liver or bladder.

An expert doctor can help you ascertain the stages and treatment for kidney cancer after a thorough diagnosis.

Treatment for Kidney Cancer
As with most cancers, the stages and treatment for kidney cancer are linked. The type of treatment depends on the following factors:

• The overall health of the patient
• Type and stage of kidney cancer
• Previous treatments for cancer

Based on these factors, the following treatment options are available:

• Surgery
  In a lot of cases, surgery is the first treatment option. In this, the surgeon may remove a part of the kidney, or the surrounding tissues if they are infected. If necessary, he may also remove the lymph nodes. Most people can function normally even with a single kidney, so removing the entire kidney is also an option.
• Embolization
  In this procedure, the surgeon plants a special synthetic material into the blood vessels. This material blocks the blood supply to the kidney, which in turn starves the tumor of vital nutrients, causing it to shrink.
• Cryoblation
  Cryoprobes are tiny needles that are inserted into the tumor through a small incision. These needles contain a special gas that causes the cancer cells to freeze, then warm and then freeze again. This cycle eventually results in destroying the cancer cells. However, this is a painful procedure.
• Chemotherapy
  Chemotherapy involves the use of potent medications that attacks the cancer cells in the body. This procedure generally causes a number of side effects since the medicines affect the entire body. However, the side effects subside once the treatment is over.
• Immunotherapy
  This treatment option enhances the ability of the immune system to fight against the cancer cells. Common side effects of immunotherapy include nausea, fever, vomiting, chills and loss of appetite.
• Targeted Therapy
  In this, medicines target specific genes that play a vital role in the development and progress of cancer. They interfere with body function that promote the growth of cancer.
• Radiation Therapy
  Radiation therapy is used to shrink the size of the tumor. Common side effects of this include fatigue and nausea.

A doctor will determine the stages and treatment for kidney cancer only after a proper examination and diagnosis. Based on the patient’s condition, the doctor will prescribe the most suitable course of action.