One of the common types of cancer is “kidney cancer”. The bean-shaped organs in your body are the size of a fist and are located behind the abdominal organs. In medical terms, kidney cancer is called renal cell carcinoma, which is generally more common than other types of cancer.
Though renal cancer grows like a single tumour in the kidney, there can be two or multiple tumours in the same kidney. You may have tumours in both kidneys.
A survey of the National Cancer Registry found that people between 45 and 70 years are prone to develop kidney cancer.
Kidney cancer or renal cell carcinoma may have various symptoms, but often there are no signs in the early stages of the disease. Here are some of the symptoms you may experience if you have kidney cancer:
Other health conditions can also cause these symptoms, so it’s always best to consult a doctor if you’re experiencing any unusual symptoms. They can perform a physical examination, imaging, and laboratory tests to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms and make an accurate diagnosis.
Unfortunately, scientists and medical professionals are still looking for the underlying root causes of kidney cancer. However, certain activities can heighten the risk of developing cancerous cells in the kidneys. They may include:
The following factors increase the risk of kidney cancer:
Suppose you’re born with inherited diseases such as Birt-Hogg-Dube syndrome, Hippel-Lindau disease, hereditary papillary renal cell carcinoma, or tuberous sclerosis. In that case, you will have a higher risk of developing kidney cancer.
The risk of cancer in the kidney increases with age.
People who are overweight or obese are at a higher risk of developing kidney cancer.
High blood pressure is a risk factor for developing kidney cancer.
This type of cancer starts developing in the kidneys and is usually diagnosed in its later stages. It can cause many complications if you don’t consult the doctor as soon as you notice symptoms. The doctor may recommend or run the following diagnostic tests for kidney cancer.
Kidney cancer spreads (metastasizes) to other body parts, including the lungs, bones, or liver. Also, a growing tumour in the kidney can block the urinary tract, causing pain, discomfort, and other symptoms.
Treatment options for kidney cancer include surgery to remove the affected kidney, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy. Early detection and prompt treatment can help to reduce the risk of complications and improve the chances of a successful outcome.
However, taking the following steps can help you lower the risk of kidney cancer.
Though kidney cancer can be a life-threatening condition, you can control or prevent the symptoms by maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Make sure you consult your doctor if you have a family history of kidney cancer or are on dialysis.