Kidney cancer happens when cells in one or both kidneys start to grow out of control.
Eventually, the cells become a mass called a tumor.
As the cancer progresses, it can spread to other parts of the body.
Verywell
This article discusses kidney cancer, its types, symptoms, and causes.
It also looks at how kidney cancer is diagnosed and treated.
Kidney Anatomy and Function
The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs.
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Each is about the size of a small fist.
They are located behind the abdominal organs, with one on each side of the spine.
Some people have only one kidney.
Your kidneys remove excess minerals, salt, and water from the blood in the form of urine.
The filtering units in your kidneys are callednephrons.
There are over one million of these units in each kidney.
Inside a nephron, a structure called aglomerulusacts as a filter.
Another structure called a tubule removes waste products and returns important substances to your bloodstream.
Renal cell carcinoma is thought to arise from the tubules in the nephrons.
Kidney Cancer Symptoms
Kidney cancer symptomsdo not usually appear until the disease has progressed.
When symptoms occur, they may include:
What Causes Kidney Cancer?
The exact causes of kidney cancer are not yet known.
Researchers have identified several risk factors for kidney cancer, however.
When a healthcare provider suspects kidney cancer, a CT scan can be used to look at the kidneys.
This test combines multiple X-ray images into a 3-dimensional picture of internal body structures.
A CT scan can be used for both the detection and staging of kidney cancer.
Staging is the process of determining how large the tumor is and if it has spread.
Some people are unable to have a CT.
This could be because of allergies to the contrast materials or poor kidney function.
People who cant have a CT scan may receive an MRI instead.
An MRI uses magnetic imaging rather than X-rays.
MRI is also helpful if a tumor is thought to have spread into the veins near the kidneys.
A biopsy lets pathologists look forcancer cellsunder a microscope.
This can be very helpful in guiding treatment with targeted therapies.
Samples are usually obtained during surgery to treat cancer rather than during the diagnostic process.
Unlike many tumors, a biopsy is not always needed to diagnose kidney cancer.
Kidney cancer is staged by measuring the size of the tumor within the kidneys structures.
Your healthcare provider will also look for evidence of spread to nearby tissues or distant regions of the body.
Kidney Cancer Stages
Treatment Options
Kidney cancer is somewhat unique.
This is because surgery may be done even with advanced tumors.
Targeted therapies and immunotherapy drugs may also be used.
Chemotherapy and radiation therapy plays a lesser role than with some other cancers.
Treatments for kidney cancerdepend upon the stage of the disease and many other factors.
Most people with kidney cancer will have some throw in of surgery.
Those who have early-stage kidney cancer are the best candidates for surgery.
Surgery is the treatment of choicefor most kidney cancers.
For some patients, though, it can be difficult.
Very elderly people or those with multiple serious medical conditions may not be able to tolerate surgery.
In these cases, treatments like cryosurgery (freezing), or radiofrequencyablation(burning) may be options.
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Several targeted therapy drugs have been approved for use in some people with advanced kidney cancer.
These drugs block and prevent the growth and spread of malignant cells.
They do this by directly interfering with a pathway involved in cancer growth.
They may also prevent the growth of blood vessels needed to supply the tumor with nutrients.
The side effects of these drugs are different from those of chemotherapy.
These drugs are often also better tolerated.
A few different categories of these drugs are effective for kidney cancer.
Clinical Trials Are Also an Option
There are also manyclinical trialsin progress.
These trials are looking for newer or better therapies to treat kidney cancer.
Some of these trials now offer treatments that are likely to improve outcomes.
Keep in mind that every treatment we currently have for cancer was once studied in a clinical trial.
At this time, treatments and survival rates for kidney cancer are improving.
Radiation is not commonly used as a treatment for kidney cancer.
Palliative care is care that focuses on treating the symptoms of cancer and improving quality of life.
It is very important, even for people who have early-stage tumors that are likely to be cured.
Summary
There are several types of kidney cancer.
The most common is renal cell carcinoma.
Kidney cancer is sometimes found during imaging scans for other conditions.
Kidney cancer is often treated with surgery, even in the later stages.
It may also be treated with targeted therapy drugs.
A Word From Verywell
Its important to be aware of kidney cancers potential symptoms and risk factors.
This can help ensure that if you do develop kidney cancer, its caught in the early stages.
There are many treatment options available for kidney cancer.
That said, an ounce of prevention beats a pound of cure.
There are many steps you’re able to take to reduce your risk.
Smoking is a strong risk factor for kidney cancer.
If you smoke, quit.
If you dont, dont start.
Risk does decrease when you quit, so its never too late.
There are also manyreasons to quit smoking after a cancer diagnosis.
Take the time to learn about any chemicals or other substances you are exposed to at work.
If you do contact these chemicals in the workplace, check that to follow the recommended precautions.
Finally, eating a healthy diet and maintaining a healthy weight is important.
Obesity is a risk factor for many cancers, not just kidney cancer.
National Kidney Foundation.Kidney function.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Your kidneys & how they work.
American Cancer Society.What is kidney cancer?.
Merck Manual.Renal cell carcinoma (adenocarcinoma of the kidneys).
American Cancer Society.Risk factors for kidney cancer.
National Cancer Institute.Renal cell cancer treatment (PDQ)health professional version.
American Cancer Society.Kidney cancer stages.
National Cancer Institute.Transitional cell cancer of the renal pelvis and ureter treatment (PDQ)patient version.
National Cancer Institute.Wilms tumor and other childhood kidney tumors treatment (PDQ)patient version.
