Kidney Cancer
Click Image to EnlargeMost cancers are named after the part of the body where the cancer first begins, and kidney cancer is no exception. Kidney cancer begins in the kidneys - two large, bean-shaped organs - one located to the left, and the other to the right of the backbone. Renal is the Latin word for kidney, and kidney cancer may also be referred to as renal cancer.
According to the American Cancer Society (ACS) about 65,000 people in the U.S. are expected to be diagnosed with kidney and pelvic renal cancers in 2012. The most common type is called renal cell cancer. The information contained on this page refers to renal cell cancer.
A risk factor is anything that may increase a person's chance of developing a disease. It may be an activity, such as smoking, diet, family history, or many other things. Different diseases, including cancers, have different risk factors.
Although these factors can increase a person's risk, they do not necessarily cause the disease. Some people with one or more risk factors never develop the disease, while others develop disease and have no known risk factors.
But, knowing your risk factors to any disease can help to guide you into the appropriate actions, including changing behaviors and being clinically monitored for the disease.
The exact cause of renal cell cancer is unknown. However, there are certain risk factors that are linked to it. These risk factors, according to the American Cancer Society, are as follows:
- smoking
Smoking increases the risk of kidney cancer. The risk seems related to the amount you smoke.
- asbestos
Studies show a link between exposure to asbestos and kidney cancer.
- cadmium
There may be a link between cadmium exposure and kidney cancer. Cadmium may increase the cancer-causing effect of smoking.
- family history
Family history of kidney cancer increases a person's risk.
- gender
Men are twice as likely to develop renal cell cancer than women.
- von Hippel-Lindau syndrome
This is a disease caused by a gene mutation that increases the chances of renal cell cancer.
- Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome
Patients who have this disease are more likely to develop renal cell cancer.
- obesity
Obesity increases a person's risk of kidney cancer.
- long-term dialysis
Patients who have been on dialysis for a long time may develop kidney cysts, which may be one cause of renal cell cancer.
- high blood pressure
Patients who have high blood pressure have a higher risk for kidney cancer.
- diuretics (water pills)
Drugs that eliminate excess body fluid may raise the risk of kidney cancer, although this is not clear.
- race
African Americans have a slightly higher risk of kidney cancer.
The following are the most common symptoms of renal cell cancer. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:
- blood in the urine
- rapid, unexplained weight loss
- low back pain (not caused by an injury)
- loss of appetite
- swelling of ankles and legs
- mass or lump in the belly
- fatigue
- recurrent fever (not caused by a cold or the flu)
- high blood pressure (less frequently)
- anemia (less frequently)
- unrelieved pain in the side
The symptoms of renal cell cancer may resemble other conditions or medical problems. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis.
In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, diagnostic procedures for kidney cancer may include the following:
- blood and urine laboratory tests
- intravenous pyelogram (IVP) - a series of x-rays of the kidney, ureters, and bladder with the injection of a contrast dye into the vein - to detect tumors, abnormalities, kidney stones, or any obstructions, and to assess renal blood flow.
- renal angiography (Also called arteriography.) - a series of x-rays of the renal blood vessels with the injection of a contrast dye into a catheter, which is placed into the blood vessels of the kidney, to detect any signs of blockage or abnormalities affecting the blood supply to the kidneys.
- other imaging tests (to show the difference between diseased and healthy tissues), including the following:
- computed tomography scan (Also called a CT or CAT scan.) - a non-invasive type of x-ray procedure that takes cross-sectional images of the brain or other internal organs; to detect any abnormalities that may not show up on an ordinary x-ray.
- magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) - a non-invasive procedure that produces very detailed two-dimensional views of an internal organ or structure, especially the brain and spinal cord.
- ultrasound (Also called sonography.) - a diagnostic imaging technique which uses high-frequency sound waves and a computer to create images of blood vessels, tissues, and organs. Ultrasounds are used to view internal organs as they function, and to assess blood flow through various vessels.
- chest x-ray - a diagnostic test which uses invisible electromagnetic energy beams to produce images of internal tissues, bones, and organs onto film.
- bone scan - a nuclear imaging method to evaluate any degenerative and/or arthritic changes in the joints; to detect bone diseases and tumors; to determine the cause of bone pain or inflammation.
Based on results of other tests and procedures, a biopsy may be needed. A biopsy is a procedure in which a sample of the tumor is removed and sent to the laboratory for examination by a pathologist. Biopsy is the only sure way to diagnose cancer.
Specific treatment for kidney cancer will be determined by your physician based on:
- your age, overall health, and medical history
- extent of the disease
- your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
- expectations for the course of the disease
- your opinion or preference
Treatment may include:
Watch a video animation about partial nephrectomy using da Vinci robotic surgery
Watch a video animation about nephrectomy using da Vinci robotic surgery
- radiation therapy (Also called radiotherapy.)
Radiation therapy uses high-energy x-rays to kill cancer cells, and is also sometimes used to relieve pain when kidney cancer has spread to the bone.
- biological therapy (Also called immunotherapy.)
Biological therapy is a treatment that uses the body's own immune system to fight cancer.
- chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill cancer cells.
- arterial embolization
Arterial embolization is a procedure in which small pieces of a special gelatin sponge, or other material, are injected through a catheter to clog the main renal blood vessel. This procedure shrinks the tumor by depriving it of the oxygen-carrying blood and other substances it needs to grow. It may also be used before an operation to make surgery easier, or to provide relief from pain when removal of the tumor is not possible.
If you or a family member has been diagnosed with kidney cancer, you may want to consider getting a second opinion. In fact, some insurance companies require a second opinion for such diagnoses. According to the ACS, it's rare that the time it will take to get a second opinion will have a negative impact on your treatment. The peace of mind a second opinion provides may be well worth the effort.
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Online Resources of Kidney and Urinary Disorders