Mr. Hung's health concerns began four months prior when he sought medical attention for back pain, but initial examinations found no abnormalities. However, over the past two months, he experienced poor appetite, fatigue, and lost 2 kg. A subsequent visit to Tam Anh General Clinic District 7 led to a urine test that revealed microscopic hematuria, a sign suggestive of urinary tract damage. An abdominal ultrasound then identified a solid tumor, approximately 4 cm in diameter, in his left kidney.

Doctor Pham Thi Thu Thao, from the Department of Internal Medicine, assessed the tumor as having a high risk of malignancy. A contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan subsequently confirmed the patient had localized renal cell carcinoma (RCC), with the tumor confined to the kidney and not invading major blood vessels or adjacent organs.

According to Doctor Thao, RCC is the most common type of kidney cancer in adults, accounting for approximately 90% of cases. The disease often progresses silently with few symptoms in its early stages, leading many to discover it only during routine health check-ups or examinations for other reasons.

Doctor Nguyen Hoang Duc, Head of the Urology Department at the Urology - Nephrology - Andrology Center, emphasized that a kidney tumor of about 4 cm, if not treated early, can grow, invade the entire kidney, or metastasize. The primary treatment goal is to completely remove the malignant lesion while preserving maximum kidney function, especially in older patients. Removing the entire kidney would place a greater filtration burden on the remaining kidney, increasing the risk of kidney function decline.

To achieve this, doctors performed Da Vinci Xi robotic surgery, which enhances precision during tumor dissection and minimizes bleeding. The procedure successfully removed the tumor entirely, preserving the remaining renal parenchyma.

Mr. Hung recovered quickly, engaged in light activity, and was discharged after two days. For the initial one to two weeks, he needs to restrict strenuous activities, can eat and drink normally, and should stay well-hydrated. The incision site will be monitored and regularly dressed, with stitches removed after 7-10 days. He requires regular follow-up appointments, especially during the first year, to monitor for recurrence or kidney function issues.

Doctor Duc (seated) controls the Da Vinci Xi robot during tumor removal and kidney preservation surgery for the patient. *Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital*

Doctors advise that many tumors in the liver, kidneys, pancreas, spleen, and other abdominal organs often develop silently for extended periods without obvious symptoms. By the time symptoms like prolonged back pain, weight loss, poor appetite, or fatigue appear, the disease is often already in an advanced stage.

Therefore, doctors recommend annual general health check-ups for everyone. This helps detect diseases at an early stage, increasing the likelihood of radical treatment and maximum organ function preservation.

Thao Vy, Dinh Lam

*Patient's name has been changed