Renal cancer, also known as kidney cancer, starts in the kidneys. These two bean-shaped organs sit on either side of your spine and are responsible for filtering waste from your blood, creating urine, and helping regulate blood pressure. While kidney cancer can be serious, many cases are found early when treatment works best. Thanks to better imaging and medical care, outcomes for kidney cancer have improved in recent years.
This cancer often affects adults over the age of 60, and it is more common in men than in women. It usually begins in the cells that line the small tubes inside the kidneys. Knowing the basics about renal cancer can help you understand what to look for, what causes it, and how it can be treated.
Causes And Types Of Renal Cancer
The exact cause of kidney cancer isn’t always known, but doctors have identified several risk factors that may increase the chances of developing it. Renal cancer starts when kidney cells develop changes in their DNA. These changes cause the cells to grow and divide quickly, eventually forming a tumor. If left untreated, the cancer can spread to nearby organs or travel through the blood to other parts of the body.
Risk factors include smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, certain inherited conditions, and exposure to harmful substances such as asbestos or cadmium. People with a family history of kidney cancer or those with certain genetic disorders may also have a higher risk.
There are a few different types of kidney cancer:
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Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC): This is the most common type, making up about 9 out of 10 kidney cancers. It usually starts in the cells lining the small tubes in the kidney.
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Transitional Cell Carcinoma: This cancer begins in the lining of the renal pelvis, where the kidney connects to the ureter.
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Wilms Tumor: Mostly found in children, this rare type of kidney cancer is very different from adult kidney cancers and is usually treated differently.
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Renal Sarcoma: This is the rarest form and begins in the blood vessels or connective tissue of the kidney.
Each type has its own behavior and treatment options, so knowing the specific type helps doctors make the best plan for care.
Recognizing The Symptoms
In the early stages, kidney cancer may not cause any noticeable symptoms. That’s why it’s often found by accident during imaging tests done for another reason. But as the tumor grows, certain signs may begin to appear.
Common symptoms include:
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Blood in the urine (which may look pink, red, or cola-colored)
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Pain in the side or back that doesn’t go away
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A lump or mass in the side or lower back
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Fatigue or feeling very tired
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Unexplained weight loss
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Fever that comes and goes
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Loss of appetite
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Swelling in the legs or ankles
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High blood pressure that’s hard to control
Some people may also experience anemia or low red blood cell counts. It’s important to talk to a doctor if any of these symptoms last more than a few days or get worse over time. While these signs don’t always mean cancer, they should never be ignored.
How Renal Cancer Is Diagnosed
If a doctor suspects kidney cancer, they will begin with a physical exam and ask questions about your symptoms and medical history. A series of tests may then be used to confirm the diagnosis and understand how far the cancer has spread.
One of the first steps is often imaging tests, like a CT scan, MRI, or ultrasound, which can show a clear picture of the kidney and reveal any tumors. If a mass is found, the doctor may recommend additional tests to gather more information.
A urine test may be used to check for blood or signs of infection. Blood tests can help evaluate kidney function and check for signs of anemia or other health problems. Sometimes a biopsy is done, where a small sample of the tumor is taken using a thin needle and examined under a microscope. However, many cases of kidney cancer are diagnosed and treated without a biopsy, especially if imaging clearly shows a typical tumor.
Once a diagnosis is made, doctors will “stage” the cancer to determine how far it has spread. This helps guide treatment decisions and gives a better idea of what to expect.
Treatment Options And What To Expect
Treatment for kidney cancer depends on several factors, including the type and stage of the cancer, the size of the tumor, and the person’s overall health. The goal is to remove the cancer while preserving as much kidney function as possible.
Common treatment options include:
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Surgery: The most common treatment is surgery to remove the tumor. This could be a partial nephrectomy, where only the tumor and a small part of the kidney are removed, or a radical nephrectomy, where the entire kidney is taken out.
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Ablation and Cryotherapy: These are less invasive procedures that use heat or cold to destroy the tumor without removing the kidney.
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Targeted Therapy: These drugs block the growth of cancer cells by focusing on specific parts of the tumor. They’re often used when surgery isn’t possible or if the cancer has spread.
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Immunotherapy: This treatment boosts the body’s immune system to help it attack cancer cells more effectively.
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Radiation Therapy: Although not commonly used for kidney cancer, it may help relieve symptoms if the cancer has spread to bones or other areas.
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Chemotherapy: This is rarely used for kidney cancer, as it doesn’t respond well to most chemotherapy drugs, but it may be tried in some advanced cases.
Follow-up care is important to monitor for signs of the cancer returning or spreading. Imaging tests and blood work are usually done on a regular basis after treatment.
Living With Renal Cancer
A diagnosis of kidney cancer can be life-changing, but many people are able to manage the condition and return to their normal activities after treatment. Recovery depends on the stage of the cancer and how well the treatment works, but early-stage kidney cancers often have good outcomes.
Staying healthy during and after treatment is important. Eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, and avoiding tobacco can help improve recovery and lower the chance of the cancer coming back. Managing blood pressure and keeping the remaining kidney healthy is also a top priority.
Emotional support is just as important as medical care. Talking to a counselor or joining a support group can help patients deal with the stress and uncertainty that often come with a cancer diagnosis.
While the journey may be difficult, advances in treatment and early detection have made a real difference in the outlook for people with renal cancer. With the right care and support, many people live full and active lives after diagnosis.
