Summary about Disease
Kidney neoplasms, also known as kidney tumors or kidney cancer, are abnormal growths in the kidney. These growths can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common type of kidney cancer in adults. Other less common types include transitional cell carcinoma (now known as urothelial carcinoma when it occurs in the kidney), Wilms tumor (primarily in children), and renal sarcoma.
Symptoms
Kidney cancer may not cause any symptoms in its early stages. As the tumor grows, possible symptoms include:
Blood in the urine (hematuria)
Pain in the side or back that doesn't go away
A lump or mass in the side or back
Weight loss
Loss of appetite
Fatigue
Fever that is not caused by an infection
Anemia
Causes
The exact causes of kidney cancer are not fully understood, but several risk factors have been identified, including:
Smoking
Obesity
High blood pressure
Family history of kidney cancer
Advanced kidney disease or dialysis
Exposure to certain chemicals (e.g., asbestos, cadmium)
Certain genetic conditions (e.g., von Hippel-Lindau disease, Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome)
Medicine Used
Treatment for kidney cancer depends on the stage and type of cancer, as well as the patient's overall health. Common treatments include:
Surgery: Nephrectomy (partial or radical removal of the kidney) is often the primary treatment.
Targeted therapy: Drugs that target specific proteins or pathways involved in cancer cell growth. Examples include tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and mTOR inhibitors.
Immunotherapy: Drugs that help the body's immune system fight cancer cells. Examples include immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Radiation therapy: Uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. Less commonly used for kidney cancer but may be used for palliative care.
Chemotherapy: Less commonly used for kidney cancer than other cancers, but may be used in certain situations.
Is Communicable
Kidney neoplasms are not communicable. It cannot be spread from person to person through any means.
Precautions
While kidney cancer cannot be directly prevented, the following precautions may help reduce the risk:
Quit smoking
Maintain a healthy weight
Control high blood pressure
Avoid exposure to known carcinogens
If you have a family history of kidney cancer or certain genetic conditions, discuss screening options with your doctor.
How long does an outbreak last?
Kidney neoplasm is not an outbreak illness. It is a disease state that will persist unless treated.
How is it diagnosed?
Kidney cancer is typically diagnosed through a combination of:
Medical history and physical exam: Doctor will ask about your symptoms, risk factors, and medical history.
Imaging tests: CT scans, MRI scans, and ultrasounds are commonly used to visualize the kidneys and detect tumors.
Urine tests: May detect blood or other abnormalities in the urine.
Biopsy: A small sample of tissue is removed from the kidney and examined under a microscope to confirm the diagnosis and determine the type of cancer.
Timeline of Symptoms
The timeline of symptoms can vary significantly. Early stages may be asymptomatic. As the tumor grows, symptoms may appear gradually or progress more rapidly. There is no single predictable timeline.
Important Considerations
Early detection is crucial for successful treatment.
Treatment options should be individualized based on the specific type and stage of kidney cancer, as well as the patient's overall health.
Patients should discuss all treatment options and potential side effects with their doctor.
Follow-up care is important to monitor for recurrence and manage any long-term side effects of treatment.
Participating in clinical trials may be an option for some patients.