Specialist

Kidney Cancer

Kidney cancer, also known as renal cell carcinoma (RCC), is a type of cancer that originates in the kidneys. It typically begins in the lining of the small tubes in the kidney called renal tubules. Kidney cancer is among the top 10 most common cancers in both men and women.

Causes:

The exact cause of kidney cancer is often unknown. However, certain risk factors have been identified that may increase the likelihood of developing the disease. These risk factors include:

• Smoking: Cigarette smoking is a significant risk factor for kidney cancer. Smokers are at a higher risk compared to nonsmokers.
• Obesity: People who are obese have an increased risk of developing kidney cancer.
• High blood pressure (hypertension): There is a correlation between high blood pressure and kidney cancer, although the exact link is still unclear.
• Family history: Individuals with a family history of kidney cancer have a higher risk of developing the disease themselves.
• Genetic factors: Some hereditary conditions, such as von Hippel-Lindau disease, hereditary papillary renal cell carcinoma, and Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome, are associated with an increased risk of kidney cancer.

Symptoms:

In the early stages, kidney cancer may not cause any noticeable symptoms. However, as the disease progresses, the following signs and symptoms may manifest:

• Blood in urine (hematuria): One of the most common symptoms of kidney cancer is the presence of blood in the urine, which may appear pink, red, or cola-colored.
• Back or flank pain: Persistent pain in the back or side, just below the ribs, is a common symptom of kidney cancer.
• Unexplained weight loss: A sudden and unexplained weight loss may occur in some cases.
• Fatigue: Persistent fatigue and a general feeling of tiredness can be symptoms of kidney cancer.
• Loss of appetite: Some individuals with kidney cancer may experience a loss of appetite and a noticeable decrease in food intake.

Treatment:

The treatment options for kidney cancer depend on various factors, including the stage and extent of the disease, overall health, and individual preferences. The primary treatment modalities for kidney cancer include:

• Surgery: The mainstay of treatment for localized kidney cancer is surgery. The surgical approach may involve partial or complete removal of the affected kidney (nephrectomy). In some cases, minimally invasive techniques such as laparoscopic or robotic-assisted surgery may be used.
• Radiation therapy: This treatment uses high-energy X-rays or other forms of radiation to kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy is not commonly used as a primary treatment for kidney cancer but may be employed in specific situations.
• Targeted therapy: Targeted therapies are drugs that specifically target cancer cells or their supporting structures. They interfere with specific molecules involved in cancer growth and progression. Examples of targeted therapies for kidney cancer include tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and immune checkpoint inhibitors.
• Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy is a type of treatment that helps the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells. Immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as pembrolizumab or nivolumab, have shown promising results in treating advanced or metastatic kidney cancer.