Kidney cancer is a disease where kidney cells become malignant (cancerous) and form a tumor, escaping control. In other words, kidney cancer arises from the abnormal growth of cells in the kidneys.
Renal cell carcinomas (RCCs) make up approximately 90% of kidney cancer cases. Other types of kidney cancer include: • Transitional cell carcinoma or renal pelvis cancer that begins on the inner surface of the kidney pelvis. • Wilms tumor (nephroblastoma), the most common cancer in children under 14 years old. • Rare renal sarcomas that develop in the soft tissue of the kidney.
What Are the Causes of Kidney Cancer?
Kidney Cancer The exact cause of kidney cancer is not fully understood, but the risk factors include:
- o Genetic factors
- o Excess weight (obesity)
- o High blood pressure (hypertension)
- o Smoking o Exposure to chemicals
- o Being male at an advanced age
- o Genetic diseases
- o Kidney failure
- o Excessive exposure to radiation
Advanced age significantly increases the likelihood of developing kidney cancer. Research shows that this disease mostly occurs in individuals over the age of 50-60. Additionally, it is twice as common in men as in women. The use of tobacco products, such as smoking, also significantly increases the risk of developing this disease.
Individuals with hereditary diseases like Tuberous Sclerosis Complex, Birt-Hogg-Dubé (BHD), and Von Hippel-Lindau, as well as those with a family history of kidney cancer, have a higher risk. Moreover, industrial workers exposed to chemicals like cadmium and asbestos in sectors like petroleum, steel, and textiles may also be at risk of kidney cancer.
Symptoms Most people with kidney cancer do not exhibit any symptoms before the cancer reaches advanced stages. Nearly all kidney cancers in the early stages are detected incidentally during medical tests for other reasons, such as a CT scan, ultrasound, or MRI. However, advanced tumors can cause certain symptoms, including:
- • Blood in the urine
- • Back or flank pain
- • A palpable mass in the sides or abdomen
- • Abdominal pain
- • Weight loss and involuntary weight loss
- • If you experience any of these symptoms, consult your doctor.
How Is Kidney Cancer Diagnosed?
Since kidney cancer is often asymptomatic and may not show any signs, the tumor is typically discovered when the patient undergoes medical testing for other reasons. For instance, during an examination for gallbladder issues, a patient may be referred for an ultrasound by an internist, and the ultrasound may reveal an incipient kidney tumor. For example, if a patient presents with gallbladder complaints and is referred to a radiologist for an ultrasound, there is a high likelihood of detecting a developing kidney tumor during the ultrasound.
Computed Tomography (CT) scans and MRI scans are usually the only tests doctors need to diagnose kidney cancer. Sometimes, doctors may perform a procedure called a percutaneous biopsy if they require more information about a tumor before making treatment recommendations. During this procedure, the doctor numbs the skin using local anesthesia and then uses a small needle to withdraw a portion of the tissue. Urine tests do not diagnose kidney cancer, but a doctor may want to check for the presence of blood in the urine, which is a common symptom of advanced kidney cancer. On the other hand, blood tests help doctors assess the functioning of the kidneys but are not used for diagnosing kidney cancer.
Stages of Kidney Cancer?
Kidney Cancer Stages Kidney Cancer After identifying the lesion that indicates kidney cancer, the stage of cancer is determined using CT scans and other imaging methods, and a treatment plan is devised based on the extent of cancerous cell spread.
stage 1
In this stage, the tumor located within the kidney is smaller than 7 cm. Typically, there are no symptoms in patients at this stage, and the tumor's growth rate is slow.
Stage 2
Generally, tumors located within the kidney can, in some cases, also be found in the surrounding tissues of the kidney. The size of the tumors is larger than 7 cm.
stage 3
In this stage, cancerous cells begin to spread outside the kidney and towards the lymph nodes. The size of the tumor is not specific. Patients at this stage may experience symptoms such as pain and fever.
Stage 4
At this stage, metastasis is observed, and cancerous cells have spread not only outside the kidney but also to many lymph nodes, as well as regions such as the liver, lungs, and bones. Tumors that have spread to areas beyond the kidney can cause severe health problems in patients.
How Is Kidney Cancer Diagnosed?
Kidney Cancer Treatment options for kidney cancer depend on factors such as the patient's overall health, the type of kidney cancer they have, whether the cancer has spread, and their treatment preferences. The standard treatment for kidney cancers is surgery. The goal of surgical procedures is to remove the cancer while preserving normal kidney function whenever possible. Depending on the stage of cancer, the size of the mass, its location within the kidney, and the number of masses, either the entire kidney or just the mass may be removed. If the cancer has spread beyond the kidney, additional treatments may be recommended.
Removal of the Affected Kidney (Nephrectomy)
Nephrectomy is the surgical removal of one or both kidneys. This procedure may be necessary for the treatment of kidney cancer, severe kidney infection, kidney failure, or other kidney diseases.
Nephrectomy can be performed using open surgery or laparoscopic surgical methods. Open surgery is a traditional surgical procedure that involves making a large incision. Laparoscopic surgery, on the other hand, is a less invasive method that uses smaller incisions. Laparoscopic surgery is associated with less pain, less bleeding, and a faster recovery period.
Nephrectomy may be preferred in individuals with both kidneys, in patients awaiting dialysis or kidney transplantation, or in cases of advanced-stage kidney cancer. However, nephrectomy is a procedure that should be avoided when preserving kidney function is essential.
After nephrectomy, patients should follow a specific diet to support normal kidney function and ensure proper urination. Additionally, regular follow-up and check-ups are recommended after nephrectomy.
Removal of the Tumor from the Kidney (Partial Nephrectomy)
Partial nephrectomy is the surgical removal of a portion of the kidney containing a tumor. This procedure is used to treat a tumor in the kidney.
Partial nephrectomy is different from the complete removal of the entire kidney. In this method, only a small portion of the kidney containing the tumor is removed without damaging healthy tissues. This procedure preserves kidney function while preventing the spread of cancer.
Partial nephrectomy can be performed using open surgery or laparoscopic surgical methods. Laparoscopic surgery, being less invasive, involves smaller incisions and special instruments, leading to less pain, less bleeding, and a quicker recovery period.
Partial nephrectomy may be considered as a treatment option for kidney cancer. However, it may not be suitable for every patient, and treatment options can vary depending on factors such as the patient's overall health, the size and location of the tumor, and the risk of spread.
Ways to Prevent Kidney Cancer
While it is impossible to intervene in genetic factors, individuals can reduce the risk of kidney cancer by modifying environmental factors and their lifestyles. Measures you can take to achieve this goal include:
- o Avoiding smoking and other tobacco products
- o Maintaining a healthy weight based on age and height
- o Engaging in regular exercise
- o Eating a balanced and regular diet
- o Getting regular sleep
- o Taking supplements under the supervision of a doctor
