In a striking campaign, Santa Claus temporarily swaps his familiar red outfit for orange, the international color for kidney cancer. Through this initiative, staff and urologists from AZ Sint-Jan Brugge-Oostende are drawing attention to the importance of early detection. A timely diagnosis of kidney cancer can significantly improve treatment options and outlook, as the disease often causes no symptoms for a long time.
Kidney cancer is a malignant condition where kidney cells grow uncontrollably, typically in the renal tubules. Kidneys filter blood, remove waste products, and play a role in blood pressure regulation and red blood cell production. Often, one can function well with a single healthy kidney, which is important in treatment aiming to preserve as much healthy kidney tissue as possible.
Small kidney tumors rarely cause pain or clear symptoms and are often discovered incidentally during examinations for other reasons. Approximately 60% of renal cell carcinomas are detected this way. Symptoms such as blood in the urine (hematuria), persistent flank pain, a palpable swelling, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, or fever can indicate kidney cancer, but also benign conditions. In advanced stages, symptoms may arise from metastases.
The risk of kidney cancer increases with age and is more common in men. Important preventable risk factors include smoking, overweight, and high blood pressure. In a small minority, hereditary predisposition plays a role. However, having risk factors does not automatically mean one will develop the disease.
If kidney cancer is suspected, a urologist will perform examinations such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI to assess the tumor's size, location, and any spread. Not every kidney abnormality is malignant; benign tumors also exist. Treatment, determined individually, can range from preserving the kidney (partial nephrectomy) to removing it (radical nephrectomy). Options like active surveillance, ablation, or stereotactic radiotherapy are also possible. For metastatic cancer, systemic treatments such as immunotherapy and targeted drugs are used.
The prognosis depends on the stage of the disease. For tumors confined to the kidney, the 5-year survival rate is 85% or higher. If the tumor invades the renal vein and inferior vena cava, this drops to 35-60%, and with metastases, it is only 10%. Treatment is continuously evolving, with regular updates to European guidelines.
Visible blood in the urine is always a reason to seek medical advice, even if it occurs once or disappears. The Urology department at AZ Sint-Jan offers further urological examination and develops a personalized treatment plan. Early detection increases the chances of recovery and can save lives.
