Kidney disease associated with cancer refers to the kidney damage that may occur as a result of cancer itself or as a side effect of cancer treatments like chemotherapy or radiation. Certain cancers, particularly those of the kidneys, can directly affect kidney function, while other cancers or treatments may cause kidney complications indirectly.
There are two main ways cancer and kidney disease are linked:
This is a type of cancer that begins in the kidneys and can cause kidney failure if not treated early. The cancer cells may invade the kidney tissue, impairing its ability to function.
Cancer from other organs, such as the lungs, breast, or prostate, can spread (metastasize) to the kidneys, causing damage and affecting kidney function.
Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapies can all have nephrotoxic effects, meaning they can damage the kidneys either by causing direct injury or by affecting kidney function in other ways.
If a patient already has chronic kidney disease, their risk of kidney damage from cancer or its treatment is heightened.
Both kidney disease and cancer can cause extreme fatigue, which may become more pronounced as kidney function declines.
Swelling in the legs, ankles, or face is a common sign of kidney dysfunction, often resulting from a reduced ability to filter fluids from the body.
Difficulty urinating, reduced urine output, or blood in the urine can signal kidney involvement due to cancer or treatment side effects.
Kidney disease can cause high blood pressure, and cancer treatments like chemotherapy may exacerbate this issue, further affecting kidney function.
As kidney function declines, toxins build up in the body, leading to nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. These symptoms may be worsened by cancer treatments.
Blood tests, including serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels, help assess kidney function. Elevated levels may indicate kidney damage due to cancer or treatments.
A urinalysis can detect protein or blood in the urine, both of which are signs of kidney damage or dysfunction caused by cancer or treatment.
Ultrasounds, CT scans, and MRIs are commonly used to detect kidney tumors or damage caused by cancer treatments. These imaging tests help visualize kidney size, structure, and potential lesions or masses.
A kidney biopsy may be performed to obtain a tissue sample for analysis, determining whether kidney damage is directly due to cancer or its treatments.
In some cases, cancer screenings such as mammograms or colonoscopies may be conducted to identify whether other cancers have metastasized to the kidneys.
Kidney disease associated with cancer requires expert care to manage both conditions effectively. Under the guidance of Dr. Rashmi Algeri, one of the top nephrologists in Goregaon, Mumbai, patients receive tailored care to preserve kidney function while managing cancer. If you're dealing with kidney issues related to cancer, book a consultation with Dr. Algeri to explore effective treatment options and enhance your quality of life.
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