Kidney cancer is often silent - until it isn’t
Kidney cancer, specifically renal cell carcinoma, is often asymptomatic in its early stages, leading to late-stage diagnoses in nearly half of cases in Malaysia. Experts emphasize that early detection through routine ultrasound scans significantly improves cure rates and allows for less invasive surgical options.
Why it matters
Public awareness of silent symptoms is critical for improving cancer survival rates through early medical intervention.
Renal cel carcinoma, the most common form of kidney cancer, has a high cure rate when found early.(Envato Elements pic)
KUALA LUMPUR: Kidney cancer can develop quietly, with many experiencing few or no symptoms in the early stages. In Malaysia, about 47% of kidney cancer cases are diagnosed at a late stage, when treatment becomes more difficult.
Consultant urologist and robotic surgeon Dr Lee Kheng Siang said renal cell carcinoma (RCC), the most common form of kidney cancer, has a high cure rate when found early.
“Early kidney tumours and cysts are usually silent. In most cases, they are picked up incidentally during abdominal ultrasound scans done as part of health screening,” he said.
Symptoms are more likely to appear once a tumour becomes larger. These can include pain in the abdomen or lower back, swelling in the abdomen or blood in the urine.
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