Kidneys are bean-shaped organs present on each side of the spine behind the abdominal organs in the upper part of the abdomen. They are associted with the filtration process of blood. They remove the waste material and also regulate fluid in the body.
Kidney cancer can occur in any part of the kidney. cancers arising from the renal cortex (renal cell carcinoma) account for 80-85% of kidney cancers.
Kidney cancer Types
Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common type of cancer affecting the kidneys. Renal cell carcinoma is further classified based on the predominent histology into
- Clear cell RCC – accounts of 70-80% of kidney cancers
- Papillary RCC – second most common type, representing about 15-20% of kidney cancer cases
- Chromophobe RCC – accounts for about 5% of Kidney cancers
- Collecting duct carcinoma – rare variety about 1% of kidney cancers.
Apart from Renal cell carcinomas, other types of cancers which can affect kidney’s include:
Transitional Cell Carcinoma (TCC) or Urothelial Carcinoma: This type of cancer begins in the lining of the renal pelvis, ureter, or bladder. While more commonly associated with bladder cancer, TCC can also affect the upper urinary tract, including the kidneys and ureters.
Wilms Tumor (Nephroblastoma): Wilms tumor is a childhood kidney cancer that usually occurs in children aged 3 to 4 years old, It arises from immature cells in the kidney.
Renal Sarcoma: This is a rare type of kidney cancer that develops in the connective tissue of the kidney, such as blood vessels or the renal capsule.
Renal Lymphoma: Lymphoma can occasionally involve the kidneys, either as primary renal lymphoma or as part of systemic lymphoma affecting multiple organs.
Renal Oncocytoma: Although usually benign, oncocytomas are tumors that arise from the cells of the kidney tubules.
Kidney cancer Causes and Risk factors
Cancer is caused by a variety of different factors working in tandem to develop into an uncontrolled growth of cells.
Kidney cancer can be influenced by various factors, and being aware of these can help us take proactive steps in managing our health.
Smoking: Tobacco use, including smoking cigarettes, cigars, or pipes, is a significant risk factor for kidney cancer. Chemicals from tobacco can enter the bloodstream and affect the kidneys, increasing the likelihood of cancer development.
Obesity: Being overweight or obese can also raise the risk of kidney cancer. Extra weight, especially around the waist, may lead to hormonal changes and inflammation that contribute to cancer growth.
High Blood Pressure: Chronic high blood pressure (hypertension) is not only a risk factor for heart disease but also for kidney cancer.
Family History: A family history of kidney cancer or certain hereditary conditions like von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease, hereditary papillary renal cell carcinoma (HPRCC), or hereditary leiomyomatosis renal cell carcinoma (HLRCC) can increase the risk. Genetic counseling and screening may be recommended for individuals with a family history.
Gender and Age: Men are at slightly higher risk of developing kidney cancer than women, and the risk increases with age, especially after 50 years old.
Exposure to Certain Chemicals: Occupational exposure to certain chemicals like asbestos, cadmium, benzene, and organic solvents may elevate kidney cancer risk. Following safety guidelines and protective measures in workplaces can help mitigate risks.
Kidney Disease and Treatment: Individuals with certain kidney diseases such as dialysis patients or those who have received kidney transplants may have a higher risk of kidney cancer.
Understanding these risk factors can guide us in making healthier lifestyle choices, such as quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, managing blood pressure, and undergoing regular health check-ups.
Kidney cancer symptoms
you may have one or more of below mentioned symptoms which may indicate about kidney cancer. You should understand that these symptoms may be present in various other benign diseases affecting kidneys and the urological symptoms
Blood in Urine (Hematuria): One of the most common signs of kidney cancer is blood in the urine, which may appear pink, red, or cola-colored. Even if the blood is not visible to the naked eye, it can be detected through urine tests.
Back Pain: Persistent pain in the lower back or side, just below the ribs. The pain may be dull and constant or sharp and intermittent.
Unexplained Weight Loss: If you are losing weight without trying or experiencing a loss of appetite, it could be a sign of various health issues, including kidney cancer.
Fatigue and Weakness: Kidney cancer can cause generalized fatigue, weakness, and a feeling of being unwell (malaise). These symptoms may not improve with rest and can interfere with daily activities.
Lump or Mass: In some cases, a palpable lump or mass may be felt in the abdomen or side of the body where the affected kidney is located.
Fever and Night Sweats: Some individuals with kidney cancer may experience persistent fever, especially if the cancer has spread (metastasized).
If you experience any of the symptoms, you should immediately consult your doctor which may further order tests based on the signs and symptoms.
Kidney cancer Diagnosis
your doctor may recommend few test to better understand the nature of disease and find out about the exact diagnosis to plan the treatment further. He may considered these factors in choosing a diagnostic test which include nature of disease suspected, your age and general health, your signs and symptoms and the results of earlier medical tests.
The diagnostic tests for kidney cancer are as follows:
Imaging Tests: Your doctor may recommend imaging tests such as CT scans, MRI scans, or ultrasound to get detailed images of your kidneys and surrounding tissues. These tests help identify any abnormalities or tumors in the kidneys.
Biopsy: In some cases, a biopsy may be needed to confirm the presence of cancer. During a biopsy, a small sample of kidney tissue is taken and examined under a microscope for cancer cells. This helps determine the type and stage of cancer.
Blood and Urine Tests: Blood tests can measure levels of certain substances like creatinine and erythropoietin, which can be elevated in kidney cancer. Urine tests may also detect blood or abnormal proteins that can indicate kidney issues, including cancer.
Kidney cancer Treatment
After the diagnosis and evaluation of the stage of cancer based on the tests, Your doctor may discuss various treatment options which may be suitable according to the stage, health and individual preference.
various treatment options for kidney cancer include:
Surgery: Surgery is often the primary treatment for kidney cancer, especially in the early stages when the tumor is confined to the kidney. The surgical procedure may involve removing part of the kidney (partial nephrectomy) or the entire kidney (radical nephrectomy). Minimally invasive techniques like laparoscopic or robotic-assisted surgeries may be used when feasible, resulting in shorter recovery times.
Targeted Therapy: Targeted therapy drugs target specific molecules or pathways involved in cancer growth. Drugs like sunitinib, pazopanib, and axitinib are examples of targeted therapies used to treat advanced kidney cancer by inhibiting the growth of blood vessels that feed the tumor.
Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy drugs such as nivolumab and pembrolizumab work by enhancing the body’s immune response against cancer cells. These drugs are particularly effective in some cases of advanced kidney cancer and can lead to durable responses.
Radiation Therapy: While less common for kidney cancer, radiation therapy may be used in certain situations, such as to relieve pain or discomfort from metastatic tumors that have spread to bones or other organs.
Chemotherapy: Traditional chemotherapy is not highly effective against kidney cancer, but certain chemotherapy drugs like temsirolimus and everolimus may be used in specific cases, especially when other treatments have not been successful.
Each treatment option has its benefits, risks, and considerations, and your healthcare team will work closely with you to develop a personalized treatment plan based on your unique circumstances.
Consult your doctor for staying well informed and participate in decision making on your journey of treatment of kidney cancer.
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