Summary about Disease
Kidney cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the kidney. The two main types of kidney cancer are renal cell carcinoma (RCC), which forms in the lining of the kidney's small tubes, and transitional cell carcinoma (TCC), also called urothelial carcinoma, which forms in the lining of the renal pelvis (the area where urine collects). RCC is by far the most common type.
Symptoms
Early-stage kidney cancer often causes no signs or symptoms. As the cancer progresses, signs and symptoms may include:
Blood in the urine (hematuria)
Pain in the side or back that doesn't go away
A lump or mass on the side or back
Weight loss
Fatigue
Fever
Causes
The exact causes of kidney cancer are not always clear. However, certain factors can increase the risk, including:
Smoking
Obesity
High blood pressure (hypertension)
Advanced kidney disease or dialysis
Certain genetic conditions (e.g., von Hippel-Lindau disease, Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome)
Family history of kidney cancer
Exposure to certain substances (e.g., cadmium, asbestos)
Medicine Used
Treatment for kidney cancer depends on the stage and type of cancer, as well as the person's overall health. Common treatments include:
Surgery: Nephrectomy (partial or radical removal of the kidney)
Targeted therapy: Drugs that target specific proteins or pathways involved in cancer growth (e.g., tyrosine kinase inhibitors like sunitinib, sorafenib, pazopanib; mTOR inhibitors like everolimus, temsirolimus; VEGF inhibitors)
Immunotherapy: Drugs that help the immune system fight cancer (e.g., immune checkpoint inhibitors like nivolumab, pembrolizumab, ipilimumab)
Radiation therapy: Using high-energy rays to kill cancer cells (less commonly used)
Ablation therapies: Techniques like radiofrequency ablation or cryoablation to destroy tumors with heat or cold.
Is Communicable
Kidney cancer is not a communicable disease. It cannot be spread from one person to another.
Precautions
While you cannot entirely prevent kidney cancer, you can take steps to reduce your risk:
Quit smoking.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Control high blood pressure.
Avoid exposure to certain chemicals (e.g., cadmium, asbestos).
If you have a family history of kidney cancer or a genetic condition that increases your risk, talk to your doctor about screening and monitoring options.
How long does an outbreak last?
Kidney cancer is not an infectious disease and does not have outbreaks. The progression of kidney cancer varies greatly from person to person.
How is it diagnosed?
Kidney cancer is typically diagnosed through a combination of:
Medical history and physical exam: Assessing risk factors and overall health.
Urine tests: Checking for blood or other abnormalities.
Blood tests: Assessing kidney function and other markers.
Imaging tests:
CT scan: Provides detailed images of the kidneys and surrounding tissues.
MRI: Another imaging technique that can show the extent of the tumor.
Ultrasound: Can help distinguish between solid tumors and fluid-filled cysts.
Biopsy: Removing a small sample of kidney tissue for examination under a microscope (usually done if imaging is inconclusive).
Timeline of Symptoms
The timeline of symptoms can vary significantly. Some people have no symptoms until the cancer is advanced, while others may experience subtle symptoms early on.
Early stages: Often asymptomatic.
Later stages: Symptoms like blood in urine, pain, a lump, weight loss, fatigue, and fever may develop gradually over weeks or months. The exact order and severity of these symptoms vary.
Important Considerations
Early detection is crucial: Finding kidney cancer early often leads to more successful treatment.
Treatment is individualized: The best treatment approach depends on the specific situation.
Follow-up care is important: Regular check-ups after treatment are needed to monitor for recurrence.
Clinical trials: Consider participating in clinical trials to access new and promising treatments.
Support resources: There are many organizations that provide support and information to people with kidney cancer and their families.