The kidneys are two reddish-brown bean-shaped organs, located on the left and right side of Vertebral Column in retroperitoneal space.  The primary job of Kidney is Filtration, i.e. removal of metabolic wastes. Kidneys are attached to Urinary Bladder present in pelvic cavity by Ureters, and Urethra works as passage foe evacuation of Urine from bladder. Kidneys also maintain the Fluid & Electrolyte balance of body.

Cancer that begins at Kidney is known as Kidney/ Renal Cancer. This type of cancer originates from the cells in the kidney. Kidney cancers first appear in the lining of tiny tubes (tubules) in the kidney.

ETIOLOGY:-

a)    Age :- Being above 40

b)   Smoking

c)    Gender: - Frequently noted in male.

d)   Obesity: - changes to hormones that increase risk.

e)    Over dose or abuse of some medications.

f)     Dialysis

g)    Genetic factors (Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) :- It is an inherited condition, caused by a mutation in the VHL gene, which leads to formation of cysts & tumor in different parts of body.

h)   Chemicals, such as asbestos, cadmium, benzene, organic solvents, or certain herbicides

i)     High blood pressure or medication used to treat it is the source of the increased risk.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

a)    Blood in urine / Hematuria

b)   A lump in side or abdomen

c)    Loss of appetite

d)   Pain in flanks

e)    Weight loss

f)     Persistent Low Grade Fever

g)    Extreme fatigue

h)   Anemia

i)     Swelling at ankles

j)     Shortness of breath

k)   Occasional hemoptysis

l)     Bone pain

TYPE OF CANCER:-

STAGE OF RENAL CANCER:-

a)    STAGE 1:- The tumor size is less than 7 cm, with no lymph node metastasis.

b)   STAGE 2:- Tumor size has exceeded 7cm, but confined to Kidney.

c)    STAGE 3:- Tumor size above 10cm, extending to peri-nephric tissues, loco-regional lymph nodes, veins, adrenal glands, but no distant metastasis.

d)   STAGE 4:- Metastasis to distant organs such as Lung, Bone, Liver.

INVESTIGATION FOR RENAL CANCER DIAGNOSIS:-

a)    Urine Routine Examination: - Confirmation of hematuria, presence of protein, bile salts, infections, any other abnormality.

b)   Blood Work: - Haemogram, total blood cell count, levels of Urea, Creatinine, Calcium in blood

c)    CT Scan / PET CT Scan

d)   Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): - For better picture of soft tissues.

e)    Ultrasound: This test uses high-frequency sound waves that are transmitted through body tissues to create images; it is helpful in detecting solid tumors, which have a different density from normal tissues.

f)     BIOPSY & IHC

g)    Tumor Markers :- BTA (Bladder Tumor Antigen),  CEA (Carcino-embryonic Antigen)

TREATMENT:-

•        Surgery: - Partial Nephrectomy, Radical Nephrectomy

•        Ablation: - Cryoablation, Radiofrequency ablation

•        Radiation Therapy

•        Targeted Drug Therapy

•        Immunotherapy

•        Chemotherapy

•        Ayurveda/ Homeopathy/Naturopathy

HOW AYURVEDA HELPS:-

a)    Rason /Garlic/ Lasuna: - Garlic carries anti-carcinogenic properties

b)   Turmeric / Haridra: - Turmeric comprises a compound called curcumin that helps the body to fight cancer-causing agents.

c)    Amlaki: - Amala is rich resource Vitamin C and antioxidants that eliminate cancer-causing free radicals. Amala also boosts the immune system of the body.

d)   Tulsi: - Tulsi is a natural COX-2 inhibitor that prevents inflammation, eugenol present in the leaves curbs abnormal cells.

e)    Punarnava: - It is a natural diuretic herb. It has potent anti-spasmodic, anti-microbial, and anti-inflammatory properties.

f)     Gokshur: - Gokshur is used to enhance the kidney’s functioning by aiding in the exertion of excess uric acid and maintaining the uric acid level in the kidneys, also works as Renal-protective agent.

g)    Palash: - Palash is a potent natural remedy for maintaining renal health.

h)   Varuna: - Varuna is a natural diuretic that regulates the body’s natural pH and controls the water levels within the body, it strengthens overall kidney functions.

Ayurveda has a unique understanding of each patient based on Dosha awastha in body, both in healthy as well as disease state, so the factors affecting the Dosha’s status in body is considered for treatment of disease. Ayurveda offers treatment for all stages of Cancer. Moreover, a personalized diet and lifestyle recommendations, significantly affect improvement in health of patient. Ayurveda boosts the fundamental metabolic condition of the body, thus making patient have a sense of improved internal wellness & get better quality of life.