Kidney Cancer: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

What is Kidney Cancer?

Kidney cancer, also known as renal cancer, is a disease in which kidney cells become malignant (cancerous) and grow out of control, forming a tumor. Almost all kidney cancers first appear in the lining of tiny tubes (tubules) in the kidney. This type of kidney cancer is called renal cell carcinoma. The good news is that most kidney cancers are found before they spread (metastasize) to distant organs. And cancers caught early are easier to treat successfully.

According to the American Cancer Society, kidney cancer is among the 10 most common cancers in both men and women. Overall, the lifetime risk for developing kidney cancer is about 1 in 46 (2.02%). This risk is higher in men than in women.

Common Causes

While the exact cause of kidney cancer is unknown, several factors can increase your risk of developing the disease. These include:

• Smoking: Smokers have a higher risk of kidney cancer. The risk increases with the number of cigarettes smoked per day and the number of years a person has smoked.
• Obesity: Extra weight may cause changes to hormones that increase your risk.
• High blood pressure (hypertension): The risk of kidney cancer is higher in people with high blood pressure.
• Family history of kidney cancer: People with a strong family history of renal cell cancer have a higher risk of developing the disease.
• Certain genetic conditions: Conditions like von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease, Birt-Hogg-Dubé (BHD) syndrome, and hereditary papillary renal cell carcinoma can increase the risk.
• Long-term dialysis: People who receive long-term dialysis to treat chronic kidney failure have a greater risk of developing kidney cancer.
• Exposure to certain substances: Exposure to substances like cadmium, some herbicides, and organic solvents, particularly trichloroethylene, may increase the risk.
• Advanced kidney disease: People with advanced kidney disease, especially those who are on dialysis, have a higher risk.
• Gender: Men are more likely to develop kidney cancer than women.
• Age: Your risk of kidney cancer increases as you age. Kidney cancer is found most often in people 65 and older.

It's important to note that having one or more of these risk factors does not mean you will definitely get kidney cancer. Many people with risk factors never develop the disease, while others with no known risk factors do. If you're concerned about your risk, talk to your doctor.

Associated Symptoms

In its early stages, kidney cancer usually causes no noticeable signs or symptoms. As the tumor grows, symptoms may begin to appear. These can include:

• Blood in the urine (hematuria), which may appear pink, red, or cola-colored
• Pain in the back or side that doesn't go away
• A mass or lump in the back or side
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue
• Fever that is not caused by a cold or other infection and doesn't go away
• Swelling in the ankles or legs
• Loss of appetite
• Anemia (low red blood cell count)
• A general feeling of poor health

These symptoms can be caused by kidney cancer or by other health problems. It's important to see a doctor if you have any of these symptoms, so the cause can be found and treated, if needed.

When to See a Doctor

Make an appointment with your doctor if you have any persistent signs or symptoms that worry you. If you notice blood in your urine, even if it occurs just once, see your doctor to determine the cause.

It's also important to see your doctor if you experience:

• A persistent pain in your side
• A lump in your abdomen
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue that doesn't improve with rest
• A fever that doesn't go away and isn't caused by a cold or other infection

Early detection and treatment can significantly improve the outcome for kidney cancer. Don't ignore symptoms or delay seeking medical advice.

Diagnosis

If your doctor suspects you might have kidney cancer, they will perform a thorough physical examination and ask about your medical history and symptoms. They may also recommend several tests and procedures, including:

• Blood and urine tests: These can help find signs of cancer or other diseases.
• Imaging tests: Tests like ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI can help your doctor see if there's a tumor or abnormality in your kidney.
• Biopsy: In some cases, your doctor may recommend a biopsy, where a small sample of tissue is removed from the kidney and examined under a microscope to look for cancer cells.
• Cytoscopic exam: This test allows the doctor to look inside the bladder and urethra with a thin, lighted tube to check for signs of cancer.
• Intravenous pyelogram (IVP): This is a special type of X-ray of the urinary system taken after injecting a dye.

If kidney cancer is diagnosed, your doctor will determine the stage (extent) of the cancer. Staging tests can include additional CT scans, MRI, chest X-ray, and bone scan. The stage of kidney cancer helps determine the best treatment options.

Treatment Options

The treatment for kidney cancer depends on several factors, including the type and stage of cancer, your overall health, and your preferences. Treatment options may include:

Surgery

Surgery is the most common treatment for kidney cancer. The type of surgery depends on the size and location of the tumor, whether the cancer has spread, and your overall health. Options include:

• Radical nephrectomy: Removal of the entire kidney, a border of healthy tissue, and sometimes additional tissues such as lymph nodes, the adrenal gland, or other tissues.
• Partial nephrectomy: Removal of the tumor and a small margin of healthy tissue surrounding it, leaving the remainder of the kidney intact.

Non-surgical treatments

For people who can't undergo surgery, or when surgery hasn't completely removed the cancer, other treatments might be recommended:

• Cryoablation: Freezing cancer cells with a special probe.
• Radiofrequency ablation: Heating cancer cells with a special probe.
• Targeted therapy: Drugs that target specific abnormalities present within cancer cells.
• Immunotherapy: Treatment to help your immune system recognize and attack cancer cells.
• Radiation therapy: High-powered energy beams, such as X-rays, to kill cancer cells.

Clinical trials

Clinical trials are studies of new treatments. These studies give you a chance to try the latest treatment options, but the risk of side effects may not be known. Ask your doctor if you might be eligible for a clinical trial.

Supportive (palliative) care

Palliative care is specialized medical care that focuses on providing relief from pain and other symptoms of a serious illness. Palliative care specialists work with you, your family, and your other doctors to provide an extra layer of support that complements your ongoing care.

Prevention Tips

While there's no guaranteed way to prevent kidney cancer, you can take steps to reduce your risk:

• Quit smoking: If you smoke, quit. If you don't smoke, don't start. Smoking increases your risk of kidney cancer.
• Maintain a healthy weight: Work to maintain a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise. Obesity is a risk factor for kidney cancer.
• Control high blood pressure: Follow your doctor's advice for keeping your blood pressure under control. High blood pressure is a risk factor for kidney cancer.
• Eat a healthy diet: Choose a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Eating more fruits and vegetables may help reduce your risk of kidney cancer.
• Stay physically active: Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity most days of the week.
• Avoid exposure to harmful substances: Follow your employer's instructions for working safely with chemicals. Wear protective equipment as recommended.
• Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of fluids, especially water, helps dilute any cancer-causing agents in the urine and flush them out of the body more quickly.
• Manage underlying health conditions: If you have a condition that increases your risk of kidney cancer, work with your doctor to manage it effectively.

Regular check-ups with your doctor can also help with early detection and treatment of any health issues, including kidney cancer.

Kidney cancer can be a serious and life-threatening disease, but with early detection and appropriate treatment, many people with kidney cancer can have a good outcome. It's essential to be aware of the risk factors, recognize the symptoms, and seek medical advice promptly if you have any concerns. Regular check-ups and a healthy lifestyle can go a long way in preventing kidney cancer and maintaining overall health.

For more information on kidney cancer, visit reputable sources such as the American Cancer Society, Mayo Clinic, National Cancer Institute, and National Kidney Foundation.