Kidney Cancer Treatment
Kidney cancer is a condition that can be treated very effectively, especially when it is detected early. With the right Cancer Doctor in Pune and a proper treatment plan, many patients are able to live healthy and normal lives after treatment.
Dr. Chirag Bhirud is a highly experienced Surgical Oncologist in Pune with more than 15+ years of experience in treating kidney cancer and other complex cancers. He practices at Jupiter Hospital, Baner, Pune, and is known as one of the trusted Cancer Specialists in Pune and PCMC. Many patients from across Maharashtra choose him for Kidney Cancer Treatment in Pune because of his precise surgery, advanced minimally invasive techniques, and caring approach towards patients.
Dr. Chirag Bhirud has received important awards for his work. He was awarded the Best Oral Paper at the Indian Society of Oncology (ISO) 2019 in Indore and also received the Best Poster Award at ISO-ISMPO 2019. He has published research in well-known national medical journals and has taken part in more than 20 national conferences and workshops. During his MBBS, he was also honoured with the prestigious JRD Tata Scholarship.
With a 95% success rate and experience of treating more than 10,000 patients, Dr. Chirag Bhirud provides high-quality, patient-focused cancer treatment at Jupiter Hospital, Baner, Pune.
What is Kidney Cancer?
Kidney cancer begins when cells in one or both kidneys grow abnormally and form a tumour. The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs located on either side of the spine, just below the rib cage. Their main job is to filter waste from the blood and produce urine.
The most common type of kidney cancer is Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC), which accounts for about 85 to 90% of all kidney cancers. Other types include Transitional Cell Carcinoma (affecting the renal pelvis) and Wilms Tumour (which is more common in children).
Kidney cancer is often detected incidentally during imaging done for unrelated conditions. This makes it important to understand kidney cancer symptoms and get checked early.
Types of Kidney Cancer:
Kidney cancer is not a singular disease but a group of malignancies that can differ significantly in their behaviour and treatment options. The most common types include:
- Renal Cell Carcinoma: Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) accounts for approximately 85% of all kidney cancer cases. It begins in the small tubes of the kidney that filter blood and form urine. This type of cancer often stays within the kidney early on, but it can metastasise if undetected.
- Transitional Cell Carcinoma: Transitional cell carcinoma arises in the kidney’s renal pelvis, where urine collects before being passed to the bladder. Although less common, it shares similarities with bladder cancer and often necessitates a unique treatment approach.
What are the Symptoms of Kidney Cancer?
Kidney cancer symptoms may not appear in the early stages. As the tumour grows, the following signs may develop:
- Blood in the urine (haematuria) — one of the most common early signs
- Persistent pain in the side, back, or below the ribs
- A lump or mass in the abdomen or side
- Unexplained weight loss
- Persistent fatigue and weakness
- Fever not related to any infection
- Loss of appetite
- Swelling in the legs and ankles
- High blood pressure that is difficult to control
- Anaemia — low red blood cell count
If you notice any of these kidney cancer symptoms, do not ignore them. Consult Dr. Chirag Bhirud — a trusted Cancer Specialist in Pune — at the earliest for proper evaluation and timely kidney cancer treatment.
What are the Causes of Kidney Cancer?
The exact cause of kidney cancer is not always known. However, it develops when mutations occur in kidney cells, causing them to grow uncontrollably. The most common causes and contributing factors include:
- Smoking — smokers are twice as likely to develop kidney cancer
- Obesity — excess body weight increases the risk significantly
- High blood pressure (hypertension) — a well-established risk factor
- Chronic kidney disease or long-term dialysis
- Inherited genetic conditions — Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) syndrome, hereditary papillary RCC
- Long-term use of certain pain medications — especially non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Exposure to workplace chemicals — such as asbestos, cadmium, or organic solvents
- Family history of kidney cancer
Understanding what causes kidney cancer helps patients take preventive action and seek timely medical advice.
Who is at Risk for Kidney Cancer?
While kidney cancer can affect anyone, certain individuals face a higher risk. You may be at risk if you:
- Are above 60 years of age — kidney cancer is more common in older adults
- Are male — men are twice as likely as women to develop kidney cancer
- Smoke or have smoked in the past
- Are overweight or obese
- Have high blood pressure or are on blood pressure medications
- Have a family history of kidney cancer
- Have inherited conditions such as VHL syndrome or tuberous sclerosis
- Have been on long-term dialysis for chronic kidney failure
If you fall into any of these categories, Dr. Chirag Bhirud — a leading Cancer Specialist in PCMC and Pune — recommends regular health check-ups and kidney screening for early detection.
How to Diagnose Kidney Cancer?
Accurate and early diagnosis is the foundation of successful kidney cancer treatment. Dr. Chirag Bhirud uses advanced diagnostic methods at Jupiter Hospital, Baner, Pune:
- Ultrasound of the Abdomen — a simple, non-invasive first step to detect kidney masses
- CT Scan (with contrast) — the most accurate imaging test for diagnosing kidney cancer and determining its stage
- MRI Scan — used when CT is not suitable, especially to assess vascular involvement
- PET Scan — to check for cancer spread to distant organs
- Biopsy — a tissue sample from the kidney tumour to confirm the type of cancer
- Blood Tests — kidney function tests, complete blood count, and tumour markers
- Urine Tests — to detect blood or cancer cells in the urine
- Chest X-ray or CT Chest — to check if cancer has spread to the lungs
A thorough diagnosis helps Dr. Chirag Bhirud plan the most effective, personalised treatment for every kidney cancer patient.
Treatment Options for Kidney Cancer:
The treatment of kidney cancer depends on the stage, size of the tumour, and the patient’s overall health and kidney function. As an expert Cancer Surgeon in Pune, Dr. Chirag Bhirud offers a full range of modern treatment options:
- Surgery: Surgery is the most effective treatment for kidney cancer and offers the best chance of a complete cure. Dr. Chirag Bhirud specialises in:
- Radical Nephrectomy — complete removal of the affected kidney, surrounding fatty tissue, and nearby lymph nodes
- Partial Nephrectomy (Nephron-Sparing Surgery) — removal of the tumour while preserving the healthy part of the kidney
- Laparoscopic Nephrectomy — minimally invasive keyhole surgery for faster recovery and less pain
- Robotic-Assisted Nephrectomy — the most advanced and precise technique with minimal blood loss and quicker return to normal life
- Targeted Therapy: Targeted therapy drugs block the signals that help cancer cells grow. Commonly used drugs for kidney cancer include Sunitinib (Sutent), Pazopanib, Sorafenib, and Everolimus. These are particularly useful for advanced or metastatic kidney cancer.
- Immunotherapy:- Immunotherapy boosts the body’s own immune system to recognise and destroy cancer cells. Nivolumab (Opdivo) and Pembrolizumab (Keytruda) are checkpoint inhibitors now widely used for advanced kidney cancer with excellent outcomes.
- Radiation Therapy:- Radiation therapy is not the primary treatment for kidney cancer, as kidney cancer cells are generally resistant to radiation. However, it may be used to relieve pain from bone metastases or to treat cancer that has spread to the brain.
- Ablation Therapy:- Ablation techniques such as Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) and Cryoablation are used for small kidney tumours in patients who are not fit for surgery. These minimally invasive procedures destroy cancer cells using heat or freezing temperatures.
- Active Surveillance:-For very small, slow-growing kidney tumours in elderly or medically unfit patients, Dr. Chirag Bhirud may recommend active surveillance — regular monitoring with imaging — instead of immediate treatment. This approach avoids unnecessary surgery while keeping the cancer under close watch.
Diet and Lifestyle Tips After Kidney Cancer Surgery
The best diet for kidney cancer patients after surgery focuses on protecting kidney function and supporting recovery. Dr. Chirag Bhirud recommends:
- Stay well hydrated — drink 8 to 10 glasses of water daily to support the remaining kidney
- Eat a balanced diet — fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins
- Reduce sodium (salt) intake — to protect kidney function and manage blood pressure
- Limit protein intake if advised — excessive protein can strain the remaining kidney
- Avoid processed foods, packaged snacks, and foods high in preservatives
- Quit smoking completely — it is one of the leading causes of kidney cancer recurrence
- Maintain a healthy body weight through regular, moderate exercise
- Monitor blood pressure regularly — high BP damages kidney function over time
- Attend all follow-up consultations and routine scans without fail
Lifestyle changes after kidney cancer surgery play a vital role in protecting the remaining kidney, improving overall health, and reducing the risk of cancer returning.
Why Choose Dr. Chirag Bhirud for Kidney Cancer Treatment in Pune?
When facing kidney cancer, choosing the right Cancer Surgeon in Pune makes all the difference. Here is why patients across Pune and PCMC trust Dr. Chirag Bhirud:
- 15+ years of experience as a Surgical Oncologist in Pune in treating urological and complex cancers
- Expert in robotic-assisted and laparoscopic nephrectomy — preserving kidney function wherever possible
- Specialised in nephron-sparing (partial nephrectomy) surgery to maintain quality of life
- 95% success rate with 10,000+ patients treated
- Award winner — Best Oral Paper (ISO 2019) and Best Poster (ISO-ISMPO 2019)
- Published oncosurgical researcher with 20+ national conference participations
- Patient-first, compassionate approach throughout the cancer treatment journey
- Available 24 hours at Jupiter Hospital, Baner-Balewadi Road, Pune
Whether you are looking for a Cancer Specialist in Pune, and PCMC for kidney cancer, Dr. Chirag Bhirud offers the expertise, precision, and care every patient deserves. Do not wait — the sooner you act, the better your outcome.
How Much Does Kidney Cancer Treatment Cost in Pune?
The cost of kidney cancer treatment in Pune depends on several factors:
- Stage and size of the kidney tumour
- Type of surgery — robotic, laparoscopic, or open nephrectomy
- Whether targeted therapy or immunotherapy is required
- Duration of hospital stay and ICU care
- Post-operative medicines, follow-up scans, and consultations
At Jupiter Hospital, Baner, Pune, Dr. Chirag Bhirud ensures every patient receives world-class kidney cancer treatment at transparent and affordable costs. Our team is available to assist with health insurance claims, pre-authorisation, and all related documentation.
For a personalised cost estimate, book a consultation with Dr. Chirag Bhirud today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's):
The kidney cancer cure rate depends on the stage at diagnosis. For localised kidney cancer (Stage I and II), the 5-year kidney cancer survival rate is 80 to 95% after surgery. For locally advanced cancer (Stage III), it is around 60 to 70%. Early detection and prompt treatment with an expert Cancer Surgeon in Pune like Dr. Chirag Bhirud significantly improves survival outcomes.
- Pre-Surgery Preparations: Before surgery, patients may undergo blood tests, imaging, and consultations with an anesthetic team to ensure that they are fit for the procedure.
- Post-Treatment Care: Post-operative care includes follow-up visits, dietary adjustments, and physical therapy, if necessary. Patients should also monitor for signs of recurrence and undergo regular imaging.
Kidney cancer is caused by genetic mutations in kidney cells that lead to uncontrolled growth. The most common risk factors that cause kidney cancer include smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease, inherited genetic syndromes such as Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL), and long-term exposure to certain chemicals. A family history of kidney cancer also increases the risk.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can significantly support the treatment process. Patients are encouraged to follow a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins to strengthen their immune system. Regular light exercise, as recommended by your healthcare provider, can boost energy levels and improve recovery. It’s also important to avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption to support overall wellness during treatment.
Yes, many hospitals and cancer centers offer support groups specifically for kidney cancer patients. These groups provide emotional support, valuable resources, and the opportunity to connect with others undergoing similar experiences. Online forums and organizations such as Kidney Cancer UK also offer additional support networks and educational materials.
The best diet for kidney cancer patients includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. It is important to reduce salt intake, limit excessive protein, stay well hydrated, and avoid processed or packaged foods. After surgery on one kidney, dietary choices play a crucial role in protecting the remaining kidney’s function. Dr. Chirag Bhirud provides personalised dietary guidance to all his kidney cancer patients.