Kidney Cancer

Kidney cancer, also known as renal cancer, is a disease in which kidney cells become malignant (cancerous) and grow out of control, forming a tumor. Almost all kidney cancers first appear in the lining of tiny tubes (tubules) in the kidney. This type of kidney cancer is called renal cell carcinoma. The good news is that most kidney cancers are found before they metastasize to distant organs. And cancers caught early are easier to treat successfully. However, tumors can grow quite large before they are detected.                           

Types of Kidney Cancer

Bladder cancer is generally categorised by how it grows, which directly influences treatment decisions:                     

• Renal cell carcinoma (RCC): :
  
  • This is the most common type of adult kidney cancer, making up about 90% of cancer diagnoses. It typically grows as a single mass within a kidney, but multiple tumors can occur in one or both kidneys.
• Urothelial carcinoma:
  
  • Also known as transitional cell carcinoma, this cancer develops in the renal pelvis where the kidney connects to the ureter. It's more similar to bladder cancer than RCC.
• Wilms' tumor:  
  
  • A rare type of kidney cancer that affects children

Symptoms of Kidney Cancer

In many cases, kidney cancer is asymptomatic in the early stages. As the disease progresses, symptoms might include:         

• Blood in the urine (hematuria), which may appear pink, red, or cola-colored
• Pain in the back or side that does not go away
• Loss of appetite
• Tiredness
• Fever
• Swelling in the ankles or legs

Risk Factors

Certain factors can increase the risk of developing kidney cancer:

• Smoking
• Obesity
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Family history of kidney cancer
• Genetic conditions, such as von Hippel-Lindau disease or hereditary papillary renal cell carcinoma
• Family history of kidney cancer
• Long-term dialysis treatment
• Exposure to certain substances, such as asbestos, cadmium, and some organic solvents, particularly trichloroethylene

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of kidney cancer involves a series of tests, which may include:

• Imaging Tests
  • such as ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) scans, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to visualize the internal structures of the kidney
• Blood and urine tests:
  
  • to assess kidney function and look for signs of disease
• Biopsy:
  
  • Although not always necessary, a biopsy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis by removing a small sample of kidney tissue for laboratory testing

Treatment Options

The treatment for kidney cancer depends on the size, type, and stage of the cancer, and the overall health of the patient. Treatment options include:

• Surgery:
  
  • The main treatment for localised kidney cancer, which can involve removing part or all of the kidney depending on the size and location of the tumour.
• AblativeTherapies
  • Techniques such as cryoablation or radiofrequency ablation, which destroy tumors without removing them.
• Targeted therapy:
  
  • Drugs that specifically target abnormalities within cancer cells.
• Immunotherapy:
  
  • Treatments that help the immune system fight the cancer more effectively.
• Radiation Therapy:
  
  • Generally used to control symptoms in advanced kidney cancer.

By understanding the symptoms and risk factors associated with kidney cancer, individuals can seek early medical intervention, improving their chances of successful treatment. These UK organizations play an essential role in supporting individuals throughout their cancer journey, from diagnosis through treatment and beyond.

 Cancer Portal

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