HYPERNEPHROMA

General Information

DEFINITION--A form of kidney cancer with uncontrolled growth of malignant cells in the kidney.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Kidney.

SEX OR AGE MOST AFFECTED--Men over age 40.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

Firm mass in an enlarged abdomen. Appetite and weight loss. Persistent low-grade fever. Vomiting. Mild abdominal pain. Red or smoky urine caused by bleeding from the tumor. If the tumor grows large enough to cause kidney failure, symptoms include:

• Increasing fatigue and weakness.
• Headache
• Bad breath.
• Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.
• Shortness of breath.
• Chest pain.
• Itching skin.

CAUSES--Unknown.

RISK INCREASES WITH

• Multiple congenital abnormalities.
• Smoking.

HOW TO PREVENT

• Cannot be prevented at present. If you are a woman of childbearing age with a family history of kidney tumors, seek genetic counseling before becoming pregnant.
• If kidney tumors run in your family, get medical advice about tests. Even if you feel well and don't have the disease, get regular checkups.

What To Expect

DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES--

• Your own observation of symptoms.
• Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
• Laboratory blood and urine studies of kidney function and to detect blood in the urine.
• CT scan, ultrasound, MRI and venography (See Glossary for all).

APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE

• Doctor's treatment.
• Treatment consists of removal of the kidney (or partial removal in some patients) and regional lymph nodes. This may be followed by radiation therapy, chemotherapy and immunotherapy.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

• Spread to other organs, especially the liver, lungs, brain and bones, before discovery of the primary tumor.
• Softening of the bones (osteoporosis or osteomalacia).
• Increased susceptibility to urinary-tract infections.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--Usually curable with surgery, if the tumor is detected before it spreads to other body parts.

How To Treat

GENERAL MEASURES--

• The more you can learn and understand about this disorder, the more you will be able to make informed decisions about where to go for your care, the treatments available, the risks involved, side effects of therapy and expected outcome.
• See Resources for Additional Information.

MEDICATION--Your doctor may prescribe anticancer drugs.

ACTIVITY--

• Follow medical advice about returning to normal activities after surgery.
• Take short, frequent rests during the day. Otherwise, stay as active as your strength allows.

DIET--

• Eat a low-protein diet. Because of dietary restrictions, multiple-vitamin and mineral supplements may be necessary.
• Increase fluid intake to several pints a day.

Call Your Doctor If

• You have symptoms of hypernephroma.
• The following occurs during treatment: Fever rises to 101F (38.3C) or higher. Urination decreases.
• New, unexplained symptoms develop. Anticancer drugs used in treatment may produce side effects.
• Symptoms recur after treatment.