top of page
Kidney cancer

Kidney cancer, also known as renal cancer, is a type of cancer that originates in the kidneys. It typically begins in the lining of the small tubes within the kidney called renal tubules. Kidney cancer can occur in one or both kidneys and can spread to other parts of the body if left untreated.

9r30_2kn2_220218.jpg

Types of Kidney Cancer:

There are several types of kidney cancer, with the most common type being renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

  • Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma (ccRCC)

  • Papillary Renal Cell Carcinoma (pRCC)

  • Chromophobe Renal Cell Carcinoma (chRCC)

  • Collecting Duct Renal Cell Carcinoma (CDC)

  • Unclassified Renal Cell Carcinoma

Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma (ccRCC): This is the most common subtype, accounting for approximately 75% of all kidney cancer cases. It gets its name from the clear appearance of cancer cells when viewed under a microscope. Clear cell RCC is often associated with alterations in a gene called von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) and is known to be resistant to some forms of treatment.

Papillary Renal Cell Carcinoma (pRCC): This subtype makes up about 10-15% of kidney cancers. It is characterized by the development of finger-like projections (papillae) within the cancer cells. There are two types of papillary RCC: type 1, which is typically less aggressive, and type 2, which tends to be more aggressive.

Chromophobe Renal Cell Carcinoma (chRCC): Chromophobe RCC accounts for about 5% of kidney cancers. The cancer cells in this subtype are larger and have a pale or eosinophilic appearance when viewed under a microscope. Chromophobe RCC often has a better prognosis compared to other subtypes.

Collecting Duct Renal Cell Carcinoma (CDC): This is a rare and aggressive type of kidney cancer that accounts for less than 1% of cases. It arises from the cells lining the collecting ducts of the kidney and tends to have a poor prognosis.

Unclassified Renal Cell Carcinoma: In some cases, kidney cancers may not fit into any specific subtype or may exhibit features of multiple subtypes. These are classified as unclassified renal cell carcinomas.

Causes and Risk Factors:

The precise origin of kidney cancer is frequently unknown, although some risk factors can raise the likelihood of acquiring the disease. Here are some of the most frequent causes and risk factors for kidney cancer.

Cigarette smoking: Cigarette smoking is a major risk factor for kidney cancer. Smokers are at a higher risk than nonsmokers, and the risk increases with the number of cigarettes smoked each day increases.

Obesity: Being overweight or obese raises your chances of getting kidney cancer. Excess body fat may induce hormonal changes and increase cancer cell development.

High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): People with high blood pressure are more likely to get kidney cancer. The precise cause of this relationship is unknown, however, it may be connected to shared risk factors such as obesity and smoking.

Having a family history of kidney cancer can raise your risk. Von Hippel-Lindau disease, hereditary papillary renal cell carcinoma, hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell carcinoma (HLRCC), and Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome are all linked to an elevated chance of developing kidney cancer.

Age and Gender: The risk of kidney cancer rises with age, with the majority of cases occurring in those over the age of 45. Men are often more vulnerable than women, with a male-to-female ratio of around 2:1.

Race and ethnicity: Certain racial and ethnic groupings are more likely to get kidney cancer. African Americans, American Indians, and Alaska Natives, for example, have greater rates than Caucasians.

Occupational Exposure to Certain Chemicals: Certain chemicals, such as asbestos, cadmium, benzene, and organic solvents, may raise the risk of kidney cancer. Workers in areas such as metal refining, painting, and rubber manufacturing may be more vulnerable.

Chronic Kidney illness (CKD): People with long-term kidney illness, particularly those on dialysis, are more likely to develop kidney cancer.

Symptoms:

In the early stages, kidney cancer may not cause noticeable symptoms.

Blood in the Urine (Hematuria): The presence of blood in the urine is one of the most common indicators of kidney cancer. It could be pink, crimson, or cola-colored. Hematuria can be intermittent, with blood not always visible to the human eye, and only discovered by a urine test.

Back or Side Pain: Another typical symptom is persistent pain in the lower back or on the side below the ribcage. The discomfort can be subtle and persistent or acute and intermittent. It can affect either one or both sides.

Sudden and unexplained weight loss without changes in food or physical activity can be an indication of a number of malignancies, including kidney cancer.

Fatigue: Kidney cancer is accompanied by persistent tiredness, weakness, and an overall sense of exhaustion. This symptom could be caused by anemia (low red blood cell count) or the malignancy itself.

Anemia: Kidney cancer can cause anemia, which is characterized by a low amount of red blood cells in the body. Fatigue, weakness, pale skin, and shortness of breath are all symptoms of anemia.

Fever: Kidney cancer can generate a fever that is not caused by an infection in some circumstances. The fever may come and go and is usually mild.

Swelling in the legs or ankles: Kidney cancer can cause swelling in the legs or ankles. Edoema arises as a result of the malignancy interfering with the kidneys' capacity to eliminate extra fluid and sodium from the body.

Appetite Loss: Kidney cancer can cause a decrease in appetite and unexpected weight loss.

Diagnosis:

When kidney cancer is suspected, a healthcare professional will typically use several diagnostic tests and procedures to make an accurate diagnosis.

Medical History and Physical Examination: The doctor will review your medical history and ask about any symptoms you are experiencing. They will also perform a physical examination to check for any signs of kidney cancer or other abnormalities.

Ultrasound: This non-invasive imaging technology creates a picture of the kidneys using sound waves. It can aid in the detection of tumors and other abnormalities.

CT Scan: A CT scan produces detailed cross-sectional images of the kidneys and surrounding tissues. It can aid in determining the tumor's size, location, and extension. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): MRI produces detailed images of the kidneys by using powerful magnets and radio frequencies. It can provide information on the size, location, and involvement of adjacent structures of the tumor.

PET Scan: A PET scan can be performed to see if the cancer has spread to other places in the body. A modest amount of radioactive tracer is injected and absorbed by active cancer cells.

A biopsy is the removal of a tiny sample of kidney tissue to be examined under a microscope. This is normally accomplished by inserting a needle through the skin and into the kidney while being guided by imaging modalities such as ultrasound or CT. A biopsy confirms the presence of cancer and identifies the kind and grade of the tumor.

Blood and Urine Tests: Blood and urine samples may be collected to evaluate kidney function and look for any abnormalities. Certain tumor markers, such as erythropoietin or lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), which can be increased in some cases of kidney cancer, may also be measured in blood tests.

Staging: Once kidney cancer is diagnosed, staging is performed to determine the extent and spread of the disease. Staging may involve additional imaging tests, such as a chest X-ray or bone scan, to evaluate if the cancer has spread beyond the kidneys.

Treatment:

The treatment of kidney cancer depends on various factors, including the stage of the cancer, the size and location of the tumor, overall health, and individual preferences. The primary treatment options for kidney cancer include:

Surgery:

Surgery to remove the diseased kidney and surrounding tissues is the mainstay of treatment for kidney cancer. This can be accomplished using a variety of approaches, including.

Radical Nephrectomy: The entire kidney, neighboring tissues, and neighboring lymph nodes are removed during this treatment.

Partial Nephrectomy: This procedure, also known as kidney-sparing or nephron-sparing surgery, involves removing only the tumor and a small margin of healthy tissue while leaving the remainder of the kidney intact.

Targeted Treatment:

Drugs that directly target certain substances or pathways involved in cancer growth are used in targeted therapy. These medications have the ability to inhibit the growth and spread of cancer cells.

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) including sunitinib, pazopanib, and cabozantinib, as well as monoclonal antibodies like bevacizumab, have been approved for the treatment of advanced kidney cancer.

Immunotherapy:

Immunotherapy works by stimulating the immune system to recognize and eliminate cancer cells. Immune checkpoint drugs, such as nivolumab, pembrolizumab, and ipilimumab, have proven successful in treating advanced kidney cancer by inhibiting immune response proteins.

Radiation Treatment:

Radiation therapy targets and kills cancer cells by using high-energy beams such as X-rays or protons.

In some situations, it may be used to relieve symptoms, shrink tumors, or treat cancer that has progressed to other sites, such as the bones.

Chemotherapy:

Chemotherapy is not usually used as a first-line treatment for kidney cancer, although it may be used in rare cases where the cancer has gone beyond the kidneys and all other treatment choices have been explored.

Chemotherapy medications like gemcitabine and cisplatin can be used alone or in combination.

Clinical Research: Clinical trials may be a possibility for some people, particularly those with advanced or recurring kidney cancer. Clinical trials test the efficacy and safety of new medicines or combinations of treatments.

Disclaimer: This article is meant for informational purposes only and must not be considered a substitute for advice provided by qualified medical professionals.

bottom of page