Kidney Cancer

Published: 28 Jun 2024, 12:23 PM

Medically Reviewed by

Overview
Causes
Key Facts
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment
Articles
FAQs

What is Kidney Cancer?

Kidney cancer is a type of cancer that develops when the healthy cells in your kidneys become abnormal and grow out of control. Your kidneys are bean-like organs about the size of your fist. They are located near your lower back, on either side of your spine. The main function of kidneys is to filter waste products from your blood and produce urine.

There are several types of kidney cancer, but the most common type is renal cell carcinoma (RCC). As per a report by BMC Cancer, RCC accounts for 3 percent of all cancer and 90 percent of all kidney malignancies. It is believed that the prevalence of kidney cancer in developing countries like India is higher than in developed countries. More than 16 thousand people get affected with kidney cancer in India every year, suggested the report.

Other lesser types of kidney cancer include Wilms’ tumor, which mostly affects children, and renal pelvis carcinoma.

There are several types of kidney cancer, but the most common type is renal cell carcinoma (RCC). As per a report by BMC Cancer, RCC accounts for 3 percent of all cancer and 90 percent of all kidney malignancies. It is believed that the prevalence of kidney cancer in developing countries like India is higher than in developed countries. More than 16 thousand people are affected with kidney cancer in India, suggested the report.

Other lesser common types of kidney cancer include Wilms’ tumor, which mostly affects children, and renal pelvis carcinoma.

Causes of Kidney Cancer

It is unclear what causes kidney cancer, but there are several factors that can increase your risk of developing the disease. These include:

Smoking
Being overweight or obese
High blood pressure
A family history of kidney cancer
Certain genetic conditions
Exposure to chemicals
Advanced kidney disease

Beware of these causes so that you can reduce the risk of developing kidney diseases.

Key Facts About Kidney Cancer

Major Symptoms	Pain in your side or abdomen A mass (lump) in your abdomen Unexplained weight loss Tiredness Lethargy Fever Loss of appetite Pain in bones High calcium Anemia High blood pressure
Necessary Health Tests	Blood and urine tests Imaging tests Biopsy Staging
Treatment	Partial nephrectomy Radical nephrectomy Cryoablation Radiofrequency ablation Targeted therapy Immunotherapy Radiation therapy Chemotherapy

Symptoms of Kidney Cancer

You may not experience any symptoms in the early stages of kidney cancer. However, you may experience symptoms as the tumor grows, including:

Hematuria or blood in your urine
Pain in your side or abdomen
A mass (lump) in your abdomen
Unexplained weight loss
Tiredness
Lethargy
Fever
Loss of appetite
Pain in bones
High calcium
Anemia
High blood pressure (not everyone with high blood pressure will develop kidney cancer, but having high blood pressure is a risk factor for the disease)

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see your doctor so they can rule out other causes and determine if you have kidney cancer.

Diagnosis of Kidney Cancer

Diagnosing kidney cancer typically involves a series of tests and procedures. Here’s a breakdown of the diagnosis of kidney cancer:

1. Blood and urine tests

These initial tests can help provide clues about your overall health and check for abnormalities like hematuria, which is a symptom of a kidney problem.

2. Imaging tests

These tests help visualize the kidneys and any potential masses or abnormalities that may be affecting your kidneys. Imaging tests may include ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, or X-ray.

3. Biopsy

If imaging tests reveal that concern, your doctor may recommend getting a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy includes extracting a small tissue sample for examination under a microscope by a pathologist. The sample is then tested in the lab to help you look for signs of cancer.

4. Staging

If the biopsy confirms the cancer, the next step is to determine the stage of the cancer. Staging refers to the extent to which the cancer has spread. It typically includes imaging tests such as CT scans or MRI to see if the cancer has spread beyond kidneys to lymph nodes or other organs.

Treatment of Kidney Cancer

Kidney cancer treatment depends on different factors, including the stage and type of cancer. It usually begins with surgery to remove the cancer, but if the cancer has spread beyond the kidney, additional treatments may be required.

1. Surgery

This is the mainstay of treatment at most of the stages of kidney cancer. However, it majorly depends on the size and location of the tumor. Surgery options include:

Partial nephrectomy: Also known as nephron-sparing or kidney-sparing surgery, this procedure removes the cancerous part of the kidney while preserving healthy tissues. It is often preferred to remove smaller tumors, especially if you have only one kidney or compromised kidney function.
Radical nephrectomy: Nephrectomy or complete nephrectomy, this procedure involves removing the entire kidney. It also removes the adrenal gland, surrounding fatty tissue, and nearby lymph nodes.

2. Nonsurgical treatments

Small kidney cancers can be destroyed using nonsurgical treatments, which include:

Cryoablation: During this procedure, a hollow needle is inserted through your skin and into the kidney using ultrasound or another imaging technology. It is used to freeze and destroy cancer cells.
Radiofrequency ablation: This is a minimally invasive procedure that uses high-energy radio waves to destroy tumors, especially for smaller, inoperable cancers.

Other treatment options:

1. Targeted therapy

These medications target specific vulnerabilities in cancer cells to stop their growth or spread. They are often used for advanced or metastatic kidney cancer.

2. Immunotherapy

This treatment helps your immune system recognize and attack cancer cells. It is another mainstay for advanced kidney cancer.

3. Radiation therapy

This uses high-powered energy beams to kill cancer cells. It’s not as commonly used for kidney cancer as other treatments, but it may be an option in specific situations like managing pain from tumors.

4. Chemotherapy

This uses powerful drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body. It’s less common for kidney cancer compared to other treatment options due to limited effectiveness.

It is important to talk to your healthcare provider to know all treatment options to determine the best course of action for your specific situation.

Kidney Cancer Related FAQs

What happens if kidney cancer is left untreated?

Without timely intervention, kidney cancer can progress and spread to other parts of the body, including the bones, brain, or lungs. It is best to get a proper diagnosis before it's too late.

How long can kidney cancer go undetected?

Kidney cancer does not cause noticeable symptoms, and the cancer may go undetected for a very long time. It can also go undetected due to certain medical conditions which are similar to cancer. So, it is better to look out for the symptoms and get proper treatment.

Can kidney cancer be treated without surgery?

It may be advised to treat patients with advanced kidney cancer who have had the disease spread to other parts of their body using medication in addition to or instead of surgery.