The primary function of the kidneys is to filter the blood and produce urine from harmful waste products, while also maintaining the balance of minerals in the blood.

Kidney tumors occur when healthy cells in the kidneys transform into abnormal cancer cells as a result of genetic and environmental changes. While normal healthy cells grow, multiply, and die, abnormal cells exhibit uncontrolled growth and do not die. As these cells multiply, they form a tumor. Kidney tumors can cause the kidneys to start losing some of their functions. Although there is no exact cause for the development of these tumors, obesity and smoking are risk factors that increase the likelihood. Additionally, individuals with first-degree relatives who have kidney tumors and those with hypertension are considered at higher risk. Kidney tumors have a high risk of spreading to other parts of the body.

In the early stages, kidney tumors can progress silently without showing symptoms. Approximately 30% of kidney tumor patients are incidentally detected during general screenings or tests performed for other reasons when no symptoms are present. This is why regular cancer screenings are very important. Screenings allow for early diagnosis and increase the success rate of treatment.

Kidney tumors may not be detected in the early stages. However, common symptoms in the advanced stages include:

• Blood in the urine
• Abdominal pain
• Weight loss and unintended slimming
• Back and flank pain
• A mass in the side or abdomen

In patients with kidney tumors, surgery may be sufficient in the early stages. In more advanced stages, systemic treatments (immunotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted agents) are often used. The use of radiotherapy in kidney tumors is limited. However, very high-dose stereotactic radiotherapy applications have been shown to achieve successful results in areas that relapse or do not respond to systemic treatments. Additionally, radiotherapy plays an important and meaningful role in alleviating symptoms caused by metastases, such as pain, obstruction, and bleeding, as well as improving the quality of life.

Early diagnosis saves lives. Therefore, you should pay attention to any new symptoms or signs that were not present before and share them with your doctor without delay.