Kidney cancer

Kidney Cancer

Kidney cancer refers to several types of malignancies that can affect the kidneys, the two bean-shaped organs located on either side of the spine just below the rib cage. The kidneys play a crucial role in filtering the blood, removing waste through urine, and managing fluid and electrolyte balance. Cancer that forms in the tissues of the kidneys can interfere with these functions and, if not treated promptly, may spread to other parts of the body.

Types of Kidney Cancer

• Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC): The most common type of kidney cancer in adults, originating in the lining of the proximal convoluted tubule, a part of the very small tubes in the kidney that filter the blood and remove waste products.
• Transitional Cell Carcinoma (TCC): Also known as urothelial carcinoma, this type forms in the renal pelvis, the part of the kidney where urine collects before moving to the bladder.
• Wilms Tumor: A rare kidney cancer that primarily affects children under the age of 5. It is also known as nephroblastoma.

Illustrative diagram showing different types of kidney cancer.

Risk Factors

Several factors can increase the risk of developing kidney cancer, including:

• Smoking
• Obesity
• High blood pressure
• Family history of kidney cancer
• Certain genetic conditions, such as von Hippel-Lindau disease
• Long-term dialysis treatment

Symptoms

Kidney cancer may not cause any symptoms in its early stages. As the cancer progresses, symptoms may include:

• Blood in the urine (hematuria)
• Persistent back pain just below the ribs
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue
• Fever

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of kidney cancer typically involves a combination of physical exams, imaging tests (such as CT scans, MRI, or ultrasounds), and biopsy procedures to confirm the presence of cancerous cells and determine the type and stage of the cancer.

Treatment Options

Treatment for kidney cancer depends on the type, stage, and overall health of the patient, and may include:

• Surgery to remove part or all of the affected kidney
• Targeted therapy that focuses on specific abnormalities in cancer cells
• Immunotherapy to help the immune system fight the cancer
• Radiation therapy, although less commonly used for kidney cancer
• Clinical trials exploring new treatment options

Prognosis and Outcomes

The outlook for kidney cancer patients varies depending on the cancer's stage and type, as well as the treatment's effectiveness. Early detection and treatment significantly improve the chances of a favorable outcome.

Prevention

While there is no guaranteed way to prevent kidney cancer, reducing risk factors such as smoking cessation, maintaining a healthy weight, and controlling high blood pressure may lower the risk.

External Links

• National Cancer Institute - Kidney Cancer
• Kidney Cancer Association

References

• Kidney Cancer: Principles and Practice by Peter Mulders
• Renal Cell Carcinoma: Clinical Management edited by Robert A. Figlin

Kidney cancer Resources
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