Hidden Health Risks: Why Regular Checkups Are Essential Even Without Symptoms

Rohit (name changed), a 39-year-old professional in the automotive industry, never imagined that a routine company health checkup could change his life. As a tee-totaler who stays active and has no family history of any lifestyle diseases, he always considered himself healthy. Checkups had been regular before, and this one appeared to be no different—until he received an unusual call from the hospital asking him to see a doctor. He thought it was nothing major and postponed the appointment because he was busy with work.

Several weeks later, he was shocked to hear from his family doctor that his results revealed kidney cancer, which was completely different from what he had ever thought. He was directed to Dr. Ankit Sharma, Consultant – Urology, Manipal Hospital, Kharadi, Pune, who did a contrast CT scan to confirm the diagnosis. Renal cancer is usually treated with surgery that removes the whole kidney or a big portion of it, usually through a wide abdominal incision. This procedure can significantly affect how a person functions in day to day activities.

However, Dr. Ankit Sharma had a different approach. A minimally invasive laparoscopic procedure was possible due to the tumor’s early detection and relatively small size.  Instead of removing the entire kidney, only the affected portion could be excised while preserving the organ’s function. Rohit underwent a laparoscopic left partial nephrectomy and was discharged within 48 hours. Due to the minimal incisions, he recovered quickly and was able to return to work within a few days. He still has no reccurence six months after surgery.

Regular health checkup plays an important role in identifying hidden health issues before they worsen. Many diseases, including cancers or heart conditions, progress slowly without any noticeable symptoms. These medical conditions could go undiagnosed until they require complex and life-altering treatments if screening is not conducted promptly. Early detection helps doctors to take appropriate action, which can lead to minimally invasive procedures and more successful treatment. It gives a higher quality of life while increasing survival rates.