Before answering what is kidney cancer, it is best to define the function of the kidneys. The kidneys are a pair of organs on both sides of the spine located in the lower portion of the abdomen. Each is about the size of the fist with an adrenal gland attached on top of each. Fatty tissue with an outer layer of fibrous tissue called Gerota’s fascia enclose the kidneys and adrenal glands.
The kidneys are part of the urinary tract. The product of the kidneys is the urine which is the liquid wastes and extra water from the blood. Urine is collected in the renal pelvis in the middle of each kidney. When the kidneys are full, the urine passes from the renal pelvis into the bladder through a tube known as the ureter. Urine then goes through the urethra leaving the human body. Aside from the kidneys’ urinary function, it also produces substances that aid in the control of blood pressure and production of red blood cells.
Any cancer determined to originate from the kidney is kidney cancer. It is uncommon for cancer of the kidney to arise from another primary part outside the kidneys. Therefore, it is rather unlikely to have metastatic cancer of the kidney.
Types of kidney cancer are divided into two reflecting their location within the kidney. These are renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and urothelial cell carcinoma (UCC) of the renal pelvis. Renal cell carcinoma, also called renal cell cancer, develops in the lining of the renal tubes – tubes that filter blood and produce urine. Urothelial cell carcinoma, also called transitional cell carcinoma, typically occurs in the urinary system: kidney, urinary bladder, and accessory organs. This is the most common type of bladder cancer and cancer of the ureter, urethra, and urachus. In simple terms, most cancers in the renal tubule are renal cell carcinoma and clear cell adenocarcinoma; most cancers in the renal pelvis are transitional cell carcinoma.
The distinction between renal cell carcinoma and urothelial cell carcinoma is relevant due to respective prognosis, staging, management, and treatment of the cancer types.
Other less common types of kidney cancer include: squamous cell carcinoma, juxtanglomerular cell tumor or reninoma, angiomyolipoma, renal oncocytoma, bellini duct carcinoma, clear-cell sarcoma of the kidney, mesoblastic nephroma, Wilms’ tumor, and mixed epithelial stromal tumor.
What is kidney cancer’s major risk factor? Cigarette smokers are twice more likely to develop kidney cancer. Other risk factors associated with kidney cancer are obesity, high blood pressure, long-term dialysis, Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) syndrome, occupation, and gender. Obesity increases the risk of kidney cancer. High blood pressure increases the risk of kidney cancer. Dialysis, a treatment for people whose kidneys do not work well by removing wastes from the blood, increases the risk of kidney cancer if prolonged for years. Von Hippel-Lindau is a rare disease caused by changes in the VHL gene. Abnormal VHL genes increase the risk of kidney cancer. It can also cause cysts in the eyes, brain, and other body parts. People suffering such syndrome may be given suggestions on how to improve detection and prevention of kidney cancer. Exposure to chemicals or substances in the workplace increases the risk of kidney cancer. Males are more likely to develop kidney cancer than females.
What is kidney cancer’s most common symptom? Common symptoms of kidney cancer are: palpable mass in the abdomen, hematuria, and hydronephrosis. However, it is possible that no symptoms are displayed even in the presence of kidney cancer. The most common sign is a palpable mass. It usually appears in the anterior lumbar region in between the margins of the ribs and the crista ilii. Then, it grows forward to the umbilicus, upwards to the hypochondrium, and downwards entering the iliac and inguinal regions.
If symptoms suggesting kidney cancer are present, one or more procedures may be done. Physical exam is an examination of general signs of health and also includes examination of the abdomen and side for tumors by feeling them. Urine tests check blood and other signs of disease present in the urine. Blood tests examine level of creatinine which may indicate that kidneys are not functioning well. Intravenous pyelogram (IVP) involves injection of dye into a vein in the arm. The dye travels through the arm and goes into the kidneys. X-ray images will show kidney tumor or other problems with the help of the dye. CT scan (CAT scan) uses an x-ray machine linked to a computer which takes a series of images. Dye injections also aid CT scans in showing kidney tumors. Ultrasound tests use sound waves that bounce off the kidneys and produces echoes to create pictures called sonograms which may show tumors or cysts. Biopsy is the removal of tissue for pathological testing in search of cancer cells. Surgery involves part or total removal of the kidney.
What is kidney cancer patient faced with? Treatment may damage healthy cells and tissues and unwanted side effects are common. The side effects of treatments majorly depend on the type and extent of the treatment. Side effects also vary from one patient to another. They may also vary from one session to next. The cancer patient must communicate and cooperate with a health care team to better understand possible side effects and ways to manage them. Cancer is a challenge that no one needs to face alone. There are forms of support that can assist a patient through the stage of diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship.
Support may come from support groups, complementary therapies, or individual coping mechanisms including staying physically active and expressing emotions through personal journals. Getting together with cancer patients is a valuable coping tool where a cancer patient may find strength from others who can relate to the same experience. Complementary therapies include efforts to reduce side effects, ease depression and anxiety, and divert the patient’s mind from negative aspects of their physical condition. Physical activity release endorphins which help elevate mood.
Around 208,500 new cases of kidney cancer are diagnosed in the world annually, accounting for below 2% of all cancers. The highest kidney cancer rates are documented in Northern America and the least rates in Asian and African regions.
