Renal Cancer

Renal cancer, also known as kidney cancer, is a type of cancer that originates in the kidneys. The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs located in the lower back, responsible for filtering waste and excess fluids from the blood.

Types of Renal Cancer

• Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC): This is the most common type of renal cancer, accounting for about 85% of cases. RCC arises from the lining of the proximal convoluted tubule, a part of the small tubes in the kidney that transport waste molecules from the blood to the urine.
• Transitional Cell Carcinoma (TCC): This type of cancer originates in the lining of the renal pelvis and ureters, which are the tubes that connect the kidneys to the bladder. TCC is also known as urothelial carcinoma.
• Wilms Tumor: This is a rare type of kidney cancer that typically affects children under the age of 5. Wilms tumor is also known as nephroblastoma.
• Rare Types of Renal Cancer: Other rare types of renal cancer include papillary renal cell carcinoma, chromophobe renal cell carcinoma, and collecting duct carcinoma.

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause of renal cancer is not known, but several risk factors have been identified, including:

• Smoking: Smoking is a significant risk factor for renal cancer, particularly RCC.
• Obesity: Being overweight or obese increases the risk of developing renal cancer.
• High Blood Pressure: Uncontrolled high blood pressure can increase the risk of developing renal cancer.
• Family History: Having a family history of renal cancer may increase an individual's risk of developing the disease.
• Genetic Conditions: Certain genetic conditions, such as von Hippel-Lindau disease and tuberous sclerosis complex, can increase the risk of developing renal cancer.

Symptoms

The symptoms of renal cancer may include:

• Blood in the urine (hematuria)
• Pain in the side or back
• A lump or mass in the abdomen
• Weight loss
• Fatigue
• High blood pressure
• Swelling in the legs or feet

Diagnosis

Renal cancer is typically diagnosed using a combination of imaging tests and biopsy. Imaging tests may include:

• Computed Tomography (CT) scan
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan
• Ultrasound
• Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP)

A biopsy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis and determine the type of cancer.

Treatment

The treatment for renal cancer depends on the stage and type of cancer, as well as the individual's overall health. Treatment options may include:

• Surgery: Surgical removal of the tumor or entire kidney (nephrectomy)
• Targeted Therapy: Medications that target specific molecules involved in cancer growth
• Immunotherapy: Medications that stimulate the immune system to attack cancer cells
• Chemotherapy: Medications that kill cancer cells
• Radiation Therapy: High-energy rays that kill cancer cells

Stages of Renal Cancer

The stages of renal cancer are:

• Stage I: The tumor is small and confined to the kidney.
• Stage II: The tumor has grown larger, but is still confined to the kidney.
• Stage III: The tumor has spread to nearby tissues or lymph nodes.
• Stage IV: The tumor has spread to distant parts of the body.

Prognosis

The prognosis for renal cancer depends on the stage and type of cancer, as well as the individual's overall health. Generally, the 5-year survival rate for people with renal cancer is:

• Stage I: 81%
• Stage II: 74%
• Stage III: 53%
• Stage IV: 8%