What is Kidney Cancer?
Kidney cancer, also known as renal cancer, starts in the kidneys. The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs, each about the size of a fist, located behind the abdominal organs on either side of the spine. They are primarily involved in filtering blood, removing waste through urine, and balancing minerals in the body.
The most common type of kidney cancer in adults is renal cell carcinoma (RCC), which begins in the lining of the renal tubules, the small tubes in the kidneys. RCC accounts for about 90% of kidney cancers. Other less common types include transitional cell carcinoma, Wilms tumor (primarily affecting children), and renal sarcoma.
Risk Factors
Kidney cancer, or renal cancer, has several risk factors that can increase the likelihood of developing the disease. These risk factors include:
- Tobacco Use: Smokers are at a higher risk compared to non-smokers. The risk decreases after quitting.
- Obesity: Excess body weight can cause changes in hormones that may lead to kidney cancer.
- High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): There is an association between high blood pressure and an increased risk of kidney cancer.
- Family History of Kidney Cancer: If kidney cancer runs in your family, your risk of developing it may be higher.
- Certain Hereditary Conditions: Conditions like von Hippel-Lindau disease, hereditary papillary renal cell carcinoma, or Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome increase the risk.
- Gender: Men are about twice as likely as women to develop kidney cancer.
- Age: The risk increases as people age, with most people diagnosed in their 60s and 70s.
- Exposure to Carcinogens: Workplace exposure to certain substances, such as cadmium, some herbicides, and organic solvents, particularly trichloroethylene, can increase risk.
- Chronic Kidney Disease: Especially in patients requiring dialysis, the risk of developing kidney cancer is higher.
- Previous Treatment for Kidney Failure: Such as long-term dialysis or kidney transplantation.
It's important to note that having one or more risk factors doesn't mean you will get kidney cancer. Conversely, people without these risk factors can still develop kidney cancer. Regular check-ups and consultations with a healthcare provider are recommended for those who believe they may be at risk.
The diagnosis of kidney cancer typically involves a combination of blood and urine tests, imaging tests like ultrasound, CT scans, or MRI, and a biopsy. Treatment depends on the type and stage of the cancer and the patient's overall health and may include surgery, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of these treatments. By prioritizing regular check-ups and prompt medical attention, the GW Cancer Center Urological Cancer team can significantly improve the prognosis and survival of kidney cancer.
