An uncontrolled growth of harmful cells in the kidney leads to kidney cancer. Slowly as time progresses, a hard mass known as tumor develops. When some abnormal change takes place in a cell it indicates the beginning of cancer. Renal cell carcinoma is the most frequent form of kidney cancer in adults.

Some of the symptoms experienced by kidney patients are:

Blood in the urine,
backaches, or
palpable abdominal discomfort

Treatment options vary and depend on the location and type of tumor. Scientific examinations on a regular basis particularly for individuals with unique risk factors are important. These help in the early discovery and effective management of renal tumor surgery.

Who Does this Kidney Cancer Affect?

People who are between 65 and 74 years of age are most likely to succumb to this condition. Men are two times more likely to acquire this ill-health. Native American and black people are also more prone to kidney cancer.

Children are a rare victim of this condition. In the United States approximately 500 to 600 children are diagnosed with this ill-health.

Causes that Lead to Kidney Tumor

The specific origin of this condition is unknown. Still there are some risk factors that can raise your chances of developing the disease. This includes:

1. Smoking:

Those who are habitual smokers are more likely to develop kidney cancer. Besides, the longer a person smokes, the greater the risk.

3. Obesity:

When you are overweight it increases your risk of developing this condition. In general, the higher a person’s weight, the greater the danger.

4. High blood pressure:

Also termed as hypertension, it is associated with an increased risk of kidney cancer.

5. Family history:

People who have a family history of kidney cancer may be more likely to acquire it themselves.

6. Radiation therapy:

Women who have been treated with radiation for cancer of the reproductive organs are very likely to get this ill-health.

Signs & Symptoms

Kidney cancer indications include:

Blood in your pee.
A lump or unusual growth of mass in your kidney area.
Flank pain or low back pain.
A general sense of not feeling well.
Tiredness.
Appetite loss.
Weight loss.
Fever is low.
High blood pressure.
Pain in the bones.
High calcium.
Anemia.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will conduct a thorough medical history and physical examination. It will check for the presence of this condition. The different tests can include:

a) Urinalysis:

A sample of your urine is examined to determine whether it contains blood. Urine tests can identify even extremely little quantities of blood, which are not visible to the human eye.

b) Blood tests:

The number of each type of blood cell is counted. And the presence of different electrolytes is observed in the body. A blood test can reveal whether you are anemic or if your kidney function is impaired (by measuring creatinine).

c) Magnetic resonance imaging:

A powerful magnet, radio waves, and a computer are used to create images of the internal structure of the body.

d) Ultrasound:

Here high-frequency sound waves are sent through body tissues. These produce images on a monitor. This test can detect malignancies, which have a different density than healthy tissues.
A CT scan is a type of X-ray in which a computer generates a series of images. These images scan the internal parts of the body. This test is commonly performed using intravenous contrast (dye). Individuals with compromised kidney function may be unable to receive the dye.

Treatment Options

Treatment options vary. And depend on the stage, grade of the tumor, age, and overall health of patients.

The procedure available for different treatment options are briefly explained as below:

1. Surgery:

The first line of treatment is the surgical cutting out of the tumor-infected kidney. Size and location of the tumor will allow the surgeon to conduct an intense nephrectomy. This gets rid of the entire kidney, or a partial nephrectomy, which removes the tumor and some surrounding tissue,

2. Radiation therapy:

In certain cases, the majority of tumor-infected cells can be targeted and destroyed with radiation treatments. The success rate of this therapy is nearly 90 to 95 %.

3. Cryoablation and radiofrequency ablation:

These are less intrusive techniques that use strong cold (cryoablation) or heat (radiofrequency ablation) to damage tumors. When people have tiny kidney tumors these are recommended rather than surgery.

4. Chemotherapy:

While conventional chemotherapy is no longer highly helpful for kidney tumors, it is a preferred method.

5. Active diagnosis:

When the tumor is tiny and is not posing a grave particularly in elderly or fragile patients, the health care provider may also recommend energetic surveillance. This necessitates close monitoring of the tumor by routine imaging investigations rather than urgent intervention. If the tumor shows signs and symptoms of growth, therapeutic choices can be reconsidered.

Recovery And Some Important Points To Consider

Management of lifestyle factors that include exercise, blood pressure, and blood sugar regulation play an important role to decrease the progress of this condition.

1. Stress regulation:

Activities such as meditation or relaxation exercises can assist in reducing anxiety linked with the diagnosis and course of treatment.

2. Blood pressure:

Since kidney function might have an impact on blood pressure, it’s necessary to check it often.

3. Emotional help:

Attending a support group or speaking with a therapist might be helpful.

4. Quit smoking:

Giving up smoking is essential for general health and healing.

Can Kidney Cancer be Cured?

Like other types of cancer, this condition if detected in the initial stages can be cured. Before the kidney spreads through the outside of the kidney and when it is diagnosed in Stage 1 or Stage 2 this condition can be cured. Stage 3 cancer can be cured till some stage but Stage 4 is considered an advanced stage and presently not curable.

Kidney Tumor Treatment