Summary about Disease
Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common type of kidney cancer in adults. It originates in the lining of the proximal convoluted tubule, the portion of the very small tubes in the kidney that filter the blood and remove waste products. Various subtypes exist, with clear cell RCC being the most prevalent. RCC is often discovered incidentally during imaging tests for other conditions.
Symptoms
Early-stage RCC often has no symptoms. As the tumor grows, 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 lower back
Weight loss
Loss of appetite
Anemia
Fatigue
Fever that is not due to an infection Less common symptoms include swelling of the ankles and legs, or certain hormonal imbalances leading to high blood pressure or other problems.
Causes
The exact cause of RCC is often unknown. However, risk factors include:
Smoking
Obesity
High blood pressure
Advanced kidney disease or dialysis
Family history of kidney cancer
Certain genetic conditions (e.g., von Hippel-Lindau disease, Birt-Hogg-Dube syndrome, tuberous sclerosis)
Exposure to certain substances (e.g., cadmium, asbestos)
Long-term use of pain medications like phenacetin.
Medicine Used
Treatment for RCC depends on the stage and overall health of the patient. Common treatment options include:
Surgery: Nephrectomy (partial or radical) to remove the tumor or the entire kidney.
Targeted Therapy: Drugs that target specific molecules involved in cancer cell growth and survival (e.g., tyrosine kinase inhibitors like sunitinib, sorafenib, pazopanib, axitinib; mTOR inhibitors like everolimus, temsirolimus; HIF-2 alpha inhibitors like belzutifan).
Immunotherapy: Drugs that help the body's immune system fight cancer (e.g., immune checkpoint inhibitors like nivolumab, pembrolizumab, ipilimumab).
Radiation Therapy: Used in specific situations, such as palliative care to relieve symptoms.
Ablation Techniques: Procedures such as cryoablation or radiofrequency ablation to destroy the tumor with cold or heat.
Is Communicable
No, renal cell carcinoma is not communicable. It is not an infectious disease and cannot be spread from person to person.
Precautions
There are no specific precautions to prevent contracting RCC, as it is not contagious. However, individuals can reduce their risk by:
Quitting smoking
Maintaining a healthy weight
Controlling blood pressure
Avoiding exposure to certain toxic substances
Managing kidney disease effectively
Undergoing genetic counseling if there is a family history of kidney cancer.
How long does an outbreak last?
Renal cell carcinoma is not an outbreak, it is a disease that can be present for an extended period. Without treatment, RCC will progress. The duration of the disease depends on various factors, including the stage at diagnosis, the aggressiveness of the tumor, and the effectiveness of treatment.
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis of RCC typically involves:
Physical Exam and Medical History: Doctor will ask about symptoms and risk factors.
Imaging Tests: CT scans, MRI scans, and ultrasound are used to visualize the kidneys and detect tumors.
Urine Tests: To check for blood or other abnormalities.
Blood Tests: To assess kidney function and overall health.
Biopsy: Removing a sample of tissue from the kidney for examination under a microscope to confirm the diagnosis and determine the type of cancer. Biopsies are not always required, especially if imaging is highly suggestive of RCC.
Timeline of Symptoms
The timeline of RCC symptoms can vary widely. Some individuals may have no symptoms for years, while others may experience rapid symptom development. Generally:
Early Stage: Often asymptomatic.
Intermediate Stage: Symptoms may appear gradually (e.g., intermittent blood in the urine, vague flank pain).
Advanced Stage: Symptoms become more persistent and severe (e.g., constant pain, significant weight loss, fatigue).
Important Considerations
Early detection is crucial for successful treatment.
Treatment options should be individualized based on the stage, subtype, and patient's overall health.
Regular follow-up is necessary to monitor for recurrence.
Patients with RCC should discuss their treatment options and potential side effects with their healthcare team.
Clinical trials may offer access to new and innovative therapies.
Genetic counseling may be beneficial for individuals with a family history of kidney cancer.