Kidney cancer is one of the ten most common cancers in the United States, accounting for about 4% to 5% of all cancers. Although a diagnosis can be scary, early detection and treatment of stage 1 and stage 2 kidney cancer have high survival rates. To help you better understand this condition, here's everything you need to know about the symptoms and causes of kidney cancer, along with various treatment options.
What is Kidney Cancer?
Kidney cancer, also known as renal cancer, originates in the kidneys—two bean-shaped organs located on either side of the spine, just below the rib cage. The kidneys play a vital role in filtering blood, removing waste, balancing fluids, and regulating blood pressure. However, if cells in the kidneys begin to grow uncontrollably, they can form a mass or tumor, leading to cancer.
Different Types of Kidney Cancer
Several types of kidney cancer can occur. Although they differ in certain aspects, they all stem from cells that grow uncontrollably. However, renal cancers vary in their characteristics, which can be an important factor in determining the best treatment options. The different forms of kidney cancer include the following:
Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC)
Renal cell cancer is the most common type of kidney cancer, making up about 9 out of every 10 cases. This is usually characterized by a single kidney tumor, but some people may develop more than one. There are also several subtypes of RCC. The most common type is clear cell renal cell carcinoma, which is named after the cancer cells' appearance or paleness under a microscope. Other subtypes are non-clear cell renal cell carcinomas such as papillary renal cell carcinoma, chromophore renal cell carcinoma, unclassified renal cell carcinomas, and a few rare renal cell carcinomas that comprise less than 1% of RCCs.
Transitional Cell Carcinoma (TCC)
According to the American Cancer Society, out of every 100 kidney cancers, about 5 to 10 are TCCs. TCCs are characterized by a tumor in the lining of the renal pelvis, which is made out of transitional cells. This type of kidney cancer may resemble other types of urothelial carcinomas (like bladder cancer).
Renal Sarcoma
Renal sarcoma is an extremely rare type of kidney cancer, accounting for less than 1% of all kidney cancers. This cancer originates in the connective tissues of the kidney, such as the blood vessels, muscles, or fat. Renal sarcomas tend to grow quickly and often spread to other body parts, making early detection and treatment critical.
Wilms Tumor (Nephroblastoma)
This is a type of kidney cancer that is more common in children. It's very rare for adults to experience a Wilms tumor. They occur due to development mutations when a child's kidney cells are forming (around age three or four). You can learn more about these tumors here.
Symptoms of Kidney Cancer
Kidney cancer often develops silently in its early stages, meaning many people may not experience noticeable symptoms until the disease has progressed. This is one of the reasons why kidney cancer is sometimes discovered incidentally during imaging tests for unrelated health issues. However, as the tumor grows or spreads, certain signs and symptoms can begin to appear. Recognizing these symptoms early can lead to prompt diagnosis and treatment, potentially improving outcomes.
Here are the most common symptoms associated with kidney cancer:
- Blood in the urine (hematuria)
- Persistent pain in the side or lower back
- A lump or mass in the abdomen or side
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Fever not related to infection
- Bone pain
- Anemia (low red blood cell count)
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Swelling in the legs or ankles
- General sense of not feeling good
If you notice any of these symptoms or other worrisome signs of an issue, it's important to see your doctor as soon as possible. Early detection is one of the best ways to improve treatment outcomes and long-term prognosis.
What Causes Kidney Cancer?
Like many types of cancers, the exact cause of kidney cancer is still unknown. It may be due to environmental factors, genetic factors, or a combination of both. Knowing the risks of kidney cancer can help you take a proactive approach to your health and wellness. Some of the most important risk factors to be aware of include the following:
- Smoking — Tobacco use significantly increases the risk of kidney cancer, as harmful chemicals can damage kidney cells over time.
- High Blood Pressure — Hypertension can strain the kidneys, increasing the likelihood of developing kidney cancer.
- Family History — A family history of kidney cancer may indicate a genetic predisposition, raising the risk for close relatives.
- Obesity — Excess body weight is linked to hormonal changes and inflammation that may promote the growth of kidney tumors.
- Radiation Therapy — Previous radiation exposure, especially in the abdominal area, can increase kidney cancer risk.
- Long-Term Dialysis — Extended dialysis treatments for chronic kidney disease can lead to cyst formation, which may become cancerous.
- Mutations in Genes — Genetic mutations, whether inherited or acquired, can disrupt normal cell growth, leading to cancer.
- ·von Hippel-Lindau Disease (VHL) — This rare genetic disorder increases the risk of multiple tumors, including kidney cancer.
- Tuberous Sclerosis Complex — A genetic condition that causes benign tumors to grow in various organs, including the kidneys, increasing cancer risk.
If you're at an increased risk of developing kidney cancer, talk to your doctor about lifestyle modifications that can help you maintain healthy kidney function as you age.
Can Kidney Cancer Be Prevented?
Since the exact cause of kidney cancer is unknown, it cannot be directly prevented. However, there are several things that you can do to reduce your risk of urologic cancers in general. It's also essential to manage any underlying conditions that could increase your risk of kidney cancer, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity. Additionally, quitting smoking can drastically reduce your risk for several types of cancers, including those in the kidneys.
Genetic testing may also be a proactive approach to early detection and treatment. Renal cell carcinoma is associated with mutations commonly found in the VHL gene, and other hereditary conditions may increase the risk of cancer cells forming. Therefore, it's worth talking to your doctor about your options regarding genetic testing.
Diagnostics and Testing
Like many conditions, diagnosing kidney cancer will begin with a physical exam and a discussion about your health history. Based on the signs and symptoms you experience, your doctor will order one or more tests. Some of the most common tests used for diagnosis include:
- Urinalysis
- Blood tests
- CT scan
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Ultrasound
- Renal mass biopsy
Your doctor will provide you with more details about the necessary tests and instructions for performing them.
Different Stages of Kidney Cancer
Kidney cancer is diagnosed based on its stage, which includes assessment of the location and size of the tumor, whether or not the lymph nodes are affected, and whether the cancer has metastasized (spread to other parts of the body). Diagnostic tests will help your doctor understand the stage, which can be any of the following:
- Stage I — The tumor is about 7cm across or smaller and localized on the kidney.
- Stage II — The tumor is larger than 7cm across and localized on the kidney.
- Stage III — The cancer has spread to major blood vessels, tissues surrounding the kidney, or nearby lymph nodes. Tumors may be visible in multiple parts of the body.
- Stage IV — The tumor has spread to the adrenal glands, other organs, or distant lymph nodes.
Tumors can also be high-grade or low-grade. High-grade tumors tend to grow faster and spread faster, while low-grade tumors are slower and less aggressive.
Treatment for Kidney Cancer
Kidney cancer treatment will depend on the stage and how aggressive the tumor is. There are several options, so if you're diagnosed with kidney cancer, it's essential to talk to your doctor about your options and preferences. Some of the possible treatment methods include:
Surgery
Surgery is the most common treatment for kidney cancer, especially when the tumor is localized. This may involve removing just the tumor (partial nephrectomy) or the entire kidney (radical nephrectomy), depending on the size and spread of the cancer.
Ablation
Ablation techniques, like cryoablation (freezing the tumor) or radiofrequency ablation (heating the tumor), are minimally invasive procedures that destroy cancer cells without removing the kidney. This option is often used for small tumors or when surgery isn’t possible.
Targeted Drug Therapy
Targeted therapies focus on specific genes or proteins that help cancer cells grow. These drugs, like tyrosine kinase inhibitors, can slow the progression of kidney cancer, especially in advanced stages.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy helps stimulate the body’s immune system to attack cancer cells. Drugs like immune checkpoint inhibitors have shown promising results in treating advanced or metastatic kidney cancer.
Radiation
While not typically the first-line treatment for kidney cancer, radiation therapy can help shrink tumors or relieve symptoms, particularly if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells but is less effective for most kidney cancers compared to other treatments. It may be recommended if other therapies haven't worked or for rare types like transitional cell carcinoma.
To help address other urologic conditions, Byram Healthcare offers a wide selection of high-quality urologic supplies that can be discreetly delivered to your door. For more information, contact one of our representatives today.
