The announcement of the death of Nollywood actor Alexx Ekubo from advanced metastatic kidney cancer has drawn fresh attention to one of the most severe forms of the disease, with medical experts describing it as a condition that develops when cancer cells spread beyond the kidneys to other organs of the body.
The late actor’s family disclosed that he died after what they described as a “brief but courageous battle”, bringing public focus to a medical term many people rarely encounter until confronted by a serious diagnosis.
Kidney cancer develops when abnormal cells within the kidney begin to multiply uncontrollably, eventually forming tumours that may interfere with the normal functioning of the organ.
Studies show that kidney cancer accounts for roughly five per cent of cancers diagnosed in men and about three per cent in women globally.
Medical research also identifies kidney cancer as the 14th most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide.
UNDERSTANDING METASTATIC KIDNEY CANCER
Health experts explain that metastatic kidney cancer occurs when cancerous cells originating in the kidney migrate to other areas of the body.
The disease is also classified medically as stage four kidney cancer, representing the most advanced stage of the illness.
According to research findings, approximately one out of every three kidney cancer patients receives a diagnosis only after the disease has already spread to distant organs.
Although treatment options remain available at that stage, survival outcomes are often significantly reduced compared to cases detected earlier.
Research data indicates that patients diagnosed with metastatic kidney cancer have an estimated five-year survival rate of about 12 per cent.
HOW THE DISEASE SPREADS
Medical experts say kidney cancer spreads when malignant cells detach from the original tumour and travel through tissues, blood vessels or the lymphatic system.
As the disease progresses, the tumour may invade tissues surrounding the kidney, including nearby blood vessels and the adrenal gland located above the organ.
At advanced stages, the cancer can spread to organs including the lungs, bones, liver, brain and lymph nodes.
Research identifies the lungs as the most common site of spread, accounting for between 45 and 80 per cent of metastatic kidney cancer cases.
Bone metastasis represents approximately 25 to 35 per cent of cases, while spread to lymph nodes accounts for about 20 to 25 per cent.
Studies also show that liver involvement occurs in nearly 18 to 20 per cent of cases, while brain metastasis remains relatively less common, appearing in roughly four to 11 per cent of patients.
COMMON WARNING SIGNS
Medical professionals note that symptoms of metastatic kidney cancer often differ from those observed during the earlier stages of the disease.
Research further suggests that nearly half of kidney cancer patients may initially show no symptoms at all, with the condition sometimes discovered accidentally during routine medical examinations.
Common symptoms associated with metastatic kidney cancer include unexplained weight loss, fever, coughing, swollen lymph nodes, blood in urine, swelling in the legs and feet, and enlarged veins on the right side of the scrotum.
Doctors also warn that some patients may experience paraneoplastic syndrome, a condition linked to abnormal hormonal or chemical activity caused by cancer cells.
The symptoms may also depend largely on the area of the body affected by the spread of the cancer.
When the disease spreads to the lungs, patients may develop breathing difficulties or shortness of breath.
Cancer spread to the bones may result in severe bone pain or fractures.
Brain involvement can trigger headaches, dizziness or seizures.
Liver metastasis may cause abdominal swelling or jaundice, while adrenal gland involvement can lead to back pain and digestive complications.
AVAILABLE TREATMENT OPTIONS
Medical experts state that metastatic kidney cancer is generally not considered fully curable, although treatment can help slow disease progression, improve quality of life and reduce symptoms.
Treatment approaches usually depend on factors including the patient’s age, overall health condition and the extent of cancer spread.
Immunotherapy is one of the major treatment options used to help the body’s immune system identify and attack cancer cells.
Targeted therapy may also be used to block specific cancer cell functions linked to tumour growth.
Doctors may recommend surgery involving removal of the affected kidney, a procedure medically known as nephrectomy.
Radiation therapy is often considered when the disease spreads to the brain or bones.
Chemotherapy may also be used in certain situations, although it can affect healthy cells alongside cancerous ones.
Specialists additionally emphasise the role of palliative care in helping patients manage pain and maintain comfort during advanced stages of the illness.
CAN THE CONDITION BE PREVENTED?
Health experts say there is no guaranteed method of completely preventing kidney cancer or stopping it from spreading.
However, research indicates that the risk may be reduced through lifestyle adjustments such as quitting smoking, maintaining healthy body weight, controlling blood pressure and attending regular medical screenings.
Medical professionals also stress that early diagnosis and prompt treatment remain among the most effective ways to reduce the chances of kidney cancer progressing to the metastatic stage.
