Kidney Cancer
Kidney cancer, also known as renal cell carcinoma (RCC), is a disease that develops when healthy kidney cells begin to grow uncontrollably and form a tumor. Kidneys are vital organs that filter waste, balance body fluids, and regulate blood pressure. Most cases of kidney cancer start in the tiny filtering tubes (renal tubules).
Often, kidney cancer does not cause obvious symptoms in the early stages and may be discovered accidentally during scans for other health issues. In advanced stages, it can lead to noticeable symptoms. Early detection and timely treatment are key to improving recovery outcomes.
Types of Kidney Cancer
- Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC): The most common type found in adults.
- Transitional Cell Carcinoma: Begins in the renal pelvis where the kidney meets the ureter.
- Wilms Tumor: A childhood cancer of the kidneys.
- Rare Types: Such as kidney sarcoma or lymphoma.
Symptoms of Kidney Cancer
Many patients do not experience symptoms in the early stages. When they do appear, they may include:
- Blood in urine (hematuria)
- Persistent pain in the back, side, or flank
- Unexplained weight loss
- Continuous tiredness or weakness
- Loss of appetite
- Fever not linked to infection
- Lump or swelling in the abdomen or side
- Secondary effects such as anemia or high blood pressure
Tip: If you experience any of these symptoms, consult a urologist at the earliest.
Causes & Risk Factors
The exact cause of kidney cancer is not always known, but certain factors increase the risk:
- Smoking: Significantly increases risk.
- Obesity: Excess body fat alters hormone levels, raising the chances.
- High Blood Pressure: Long-term hypertension is linked to kidney cancer.
- Genetics: Family history or hereditary syndromes like von Hippel–Lindau disease.
- Workplace Exposure: Contact with chemicals such as asbestos or cadmium.
- Chronic Kidney Disease: Patients on long-term dialysis face higher risk.
- Age & Gender: More common in men and usually after the age of 50.
Treatment Options for Kidney Cancer
Treatment depends on the tumor size, stage, overall health, and whether the cancer has spread. The goal is to remove or control the tumor while maintaining kidney function.
1. Surgical Treatments
- Radical Nephrectomy: Removal of the entire kidney with surrounding tissue, and sometimes lymph nodes.
- Partial Nephrectomy: Only the tumor and a small portion of kidney tissue are removed, preserving kidney function. Best suited for small tumors.
Both procedures can be performed using minimally invasive laparoscopic or robotic-assisted methods, allowing faster recovery and less pain.
2. Non-Surgical Treatments
- Ablation Techniques:
• Cryoablation – Freezing the tumor.
• Radiofrequency Ablation – Burning the tumor with heat. - Targeted Therapy: Drugs that block specific cancer growth signals.
- Immunotherapy: Strengthens the immune system to fight cancer cells.
- Radiation Therapy: Used when surgery is not possible or when cancer spreads to other areas like bones or brain.
- Chemotherapy: Rarely effective in kidney cancer but may be used in advanced cases.
Prevention & Risk Reduction
While kidney cancer cannot always be prevented, lifestyle changes can reduce the risk:
- Quit smoking to cut down risk significantly.
- Maintain a healthy weight with balanced diet and exercise.
- Keep blood pressure under control through lifestyle and medication.
- Stay hydrated for better kidney health.
- Avoid long-term chemical exposure at the workplace.
- Opt for regular health check-ups if you have a family history or other risk factors.