Kidney cancer, also known as renal cell carcinoma, is a type of cancer that starts in the cells of the kidneys. It is one of the top ten most common cancers in both men and women, with an estimated 76,080 new cases and 13,780 deaths in the United States in 2021. The risk of developing kidney cancer increases with age, with the average age at diagnosis being 64 years old. However, the disease can occur in people of all ages.
The exact cause of kidney cancer is not yet fully understood, but several risk factors have been identified. These include smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, exposure to certain chemicals and substances, and a family history of kidney cancer. Symptoms of kidney cancer may include blood in the urine, pain in the back or side, a lump in the abdomen, weight loss, and fatigue. However, some people with kidney cancer may not experience any symptoms at all.
Diagnosis of kidney cancer typically involves a combination of imaging tests, blood tests, and a biopsy. Treatment options for kidney cancer may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, or a combination of these approaches. The choice of treatment will depend on the stage and severity of the cancer, as well as the individual’s overall health and other factors. Early detection and treatment can improve the chances of successful treatment and long-term survival.
Causes of Kidney Cancer
The exact cause of kidney cancer is unknown, but certain factors may increase the risk of developing the disease. These factors include:
Genetic Factors
Genetic factors can also play a role in the development of kidney cancer. Certain genetic conditions, such as von Hippel-Lindau disease and hereditary papillary renal cell carcinoma, are associated with an increased risk of kidney cancer. These conditions are caused by mutations in specific genes that regulate cell growth and division. People with a family history of kidney cancer may also have an increased risk of developing the disease due to inherited genetic mutations. Genetic testing and counseling may be recommended for individuals with a family history of kidney cancer or known genetic mutations associated with the disease.
Smoking
Smoking is a significant risk factor for kidney cancer. Cigarette smoke contains harmful chemicals that can damage the cells in the kidneys and increase the risk of abnormal cell growth. Smokers are twice as likely to develop kidney cancer compared to non-smokers. The longer a person smokes and the more cigarettes they smoke each day, the greater their risk of developing kidney cancer. Quitting smoking can significantly reduce the risk of kidney cancer, as well as improve overall health and reduce the risk of other smoking-related diseases.
Obesity
Smoking is a significant risk factor for kidney cancer. Cigarette smoke contains harmful chemicals that can damage the cells in the kidneys and increase the risk of abnormal cell growth. Smokers are twice as likely to develop kidney cancer compared to non-smokers. The longer a person smokes and the more cigarettes they smoke each day, the greater their risk of developing kidney cancer. Quitting smoking can significantly reduce the risk of kidney cancer, as well as improve overall health and reduce the risk of other smoking-related diseases.
High Blood Pressure
Smoking is a significant risk factor for kidney cancer. Cigarette smoke contains harmful chemicals that can damage the cells in the kidneys and increase the risk of abnormal cell growth. Smokers are twice as likely to develop kidney cancer compared to non-smokers. The longer a person smokes and the more cigarettes they smoke each day, the greater their risk of developing kidney cancer. Quitting smoking can significantly reduce the risk of kidney cancer, as well as improve overall health and reduce the risk of other smoking-related diseases.
Symptoms of Kidney Cancer
In the early stages of kidney cancer, there may be no symptoms at all. However, as the cancer grows, symptoms may begin to appear. These symptoms may include:
Blood in the Urine
Blood in the urine, also known as hematuria, is a common symptom of kidney cancer. The blood may be visible to the naked eye, making the urine pink, red, or brown in color. In other cases, the blood may only be detected through a urine test. Hematuria may occur in both early and advanced stages of kidney cancer. Other conditions, such as urinary tract infections, kidney stones, or prostate problems, can also cause blood in the urine, so it is important to seek medical attention if this symptom occurs. Further tests may be necessary to determine the underlying cause of the hematuria.
Abdominal Pain
Abdominal pain or discomfort is another symptom of kidney cancer. The pain may be felt in the side or back and may be persistent or come and go. In some cases, the pain may be accompanied by a palpable mass or lump in the abdomen. Abdominal pain may also be caused by other conditions, such as kidney stones, urinary tract infections, or gastrointestinal problems, so it is important to consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment. Imaging tests, such as a CT scan or MRI, may be necessary to determine the cause of the abdominal pain.
Fatigue
Fatigue is a common symptom of many cancers, including kidney cancer. It is characterized by a feeling of exhaustion or tiredness that does not improve with rest. Fatigue can interfere with daily activities and quality of life, and may be caused by the cancer itself, the treatment, or other factors such as anemia or sleep disturbances. Managing fatigue may involve addressing underlying causes, such as anemia, optimizing nutrition and hydration, and incorporating physical activity into daily routines. It is important to discuss any concerns about fatigue with a healthcare provider, as they may be able to offer suggestions for managing this symptom.
Weight Loss
Weight loss is another common symptom of kidney cancer. The cancer may cause a loss of appetite or the feeling of fullness after eating only small amounts of food. This can lead to unintentional weight loss, which may be accompanied by fatigue, weakness, or muscle wasting. Weight loss may also be caused by other factors, such as the cancer treatment, or underlying medical conditions. It is important to talk to a healthcare provider if weight loss occurs without a clear explanation or is accompanied by other symptoms. Treatment for kidney cancer may involve addressing underlying causes of weight loss and optimizing nutrition.
Treatment Options for Kidney Cancer
There are several treatment options for kidney cancer, depending on the stage of the cancer and other factors. These treatment options may include:
Surgery
Kidney cancer is usually treated with surgery. The goal of surgery is to remove the tumor and surrounding tissue while preserving as much healthy kidney tissue as possible. Depending on the size, location, and stage of the cancer, different surgical approaches may be used.
One common surgical approach is partial nephrectomy, in which only the part of the kidney containing the tumor is removed. This approach is often used for smaller tumors or tumors located in a specific area of the kidney. Another approach is radical nephrectomy, in which the entire kidney, along with surrounding tissue and nearby lymph nodes, is removed. This approach may be used for larger tumors or tumors that have spread beyond the kidney.
Surgery may be performed using open surgery or minimally invasive techniques, such as laparoscopic or robotic surgery. Minimally invasive techniques offer several advantages over open surgery, including smaller incisions, less pain, and shorter recovery time. However, not all patients are candidates for minimally invasive surgery, and the decision on which approach to use is made on a case-by-case basis.
After surgery, patients may need to stay in the hospital for a few days and may experience pain, fatigue, and other side effects. It may take several weeks or even months to fully recover from surgery. In some cases, additional treatments, such as radiation therapy or immunotherapy, may be recommended after surgery to reduce the risk of the cancer returning.
Surgery can be a highly effective treatment for kidney cancer, especially when the cancer is detected early. It is important to discuss the risks and benefits of surgery with a healthcare provider to determine the best approach for each individual patient.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy is a treatment for kidney cancer that uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells. It is often used in combination with other treatments, such as surgery, to treat kidney cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.
The affected area gets high-energy radiation during radiation therapy. The radiation may be delivered externally, from outside the body, or internally, by placing radioactive material directly into the tumor. The goal of radiation therapy is to destroy cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy tissue.
Radiation therapy may be used to treat kidney cancer that cannot be removed with surgery, or to reduce the size of a tumor before surgery. It may also be used to relieve pain or other symptoms caused by the cancer, such as bone pain or breathing difficulties.
Like all cancer treatments, radiation therapy carries some risks and potential side effects. Common side effects of radiation therapy for kidney cancer include fatigue, skin changes, and nausea. These side effects are usually temporary and can be managed with medications or other treatments.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is a treatment option for kidney cancer that involves the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy is not commonly used as the primary treatment for kidney cancer because it is not usually effective against this type of cancer. However, it may be used in certain cases, such as when kidney cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
Chemotherapy drugs are typically given intravenously, which means they are injected directly into the bloodstream. Throughout the body, the drugs reach cancer cells through the bloodstream.
While chemotherapy can be effective at killing cancer cells, it can also damage healthy cells in the body, leading to side effects such as hair loss, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue. Medication and other treatments can help manage these side effects.
When used in combination with other treatments, such as surgery or radiation therapy, chemotherapy may help to improve overall outcomes for patients with kidney cancer. However, chemotherapy is not typically used as the primary treatment for kidney cancer and is reserved for cases where other treatments are not effective.
As with any cancer treatment, it is important to discuss the risks and benefits of chemotherapy with a healthcare provider to determine the best approach for each individual patient.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a newer form of treatment for kidney cancer that works by using the body’s immune system to attack and kill cancer cells. This approach has shown promising results for some patients with advanced kidney cancer.
There are several types of immunotherapy used for kidney cancer, including checkpoint inhibitors, cytokines, and vaccines. Checkpoint inhibitors work by blocking certain proteins on the surface of cancer cells that prevent the immune system from attacking them. Cytokines, such as interleukin-2 and interferon-alpha, are proteins that help activate the immune system to attack cancer cells. Vaccines are also being studied as a way to stimulate the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells.
One of the benefits of immunotherapy is that it may provide longer-lasting responses than other treatments. However, not all patients respond to immunotherapy, and some may experience side effects such as fatigue, skin rash, and diarrhea.
Immunotherapy is typically reserved for patients with advanced or metastatic kidney cancer, although it may also be used in combination with other treatments, such as surgery or radiation therapy, for localized kidney cancer. As with any cancer treatment, it is important to discuss the risks and benefits of immunotherapy with a healthcare provider to determine the best approach for each individual patient.
Conclusion
Kidney cancer is a serious disease that can have a significant impact on a person’s health and quality of life. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for kidney cancer is an important step in managing the disease. If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with kidney cancer, it is important to work closely with your healthcare provider to develop a treatment plan that is right for you.
FAQs
What are the early symptoms of kidney cancer?
In the early stages, kidney cancer may not cause any symptoms. As the cancer grows, the following symptoms may develop: blood in urine, back pain, weight loss, fatigue, and anemia.
Can kidney cancer be cured?
The chances of a cure depend on the stage and type of cancer, as well as the overall health of the patient.
Is kidney cancer hereditary?
A family history of kidney cancer or certain genetic conditions, such as von Hippel-Lindau disease, can increase the risk of developing kidney cancer.
How is kidney cancer diagnosed?
If kidney cancer is suspected, the following tests may be performed: physical exam and medical history, urine and blood tests, imaging tests, and biopsy.
How can kidney cancer be prevented?
There is no sure way to prevent kidney cancer, but adopting a healthy lifestyle, including quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and controlling high blood pressure, may help reduce the risk.