What is Kidney Cancer?
Kidney cancer, also known as renal cell carcinoma (RCC), is a disease where malignant cells form in the tissues of the kidney. The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs located behind the abdominal organs, with one kidney on each side of the spine.
Risk Factors
- Age (typically over 60)
- Smoking
- Obesity
- High blood pressure
- Family history
- Certain genetic conditions
- Long-term dialysis
Common Symptoms
- Blood in urine (hematuria)
- Lower back pain on one side
- A mass or lump on the side or lower back
- Fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss
- Persistent fever
- Loss of appetite
Diagnosis
Initial Assessment
- Physical examination
- Medical history review
- Blood and urine tests
Imaging Studies
- CT scan
- MRI
- Ultrasound
- Chest X-ray
Treatment Options
Surgery
- Partial nephrectomy (removal of tumor only)
- Radical nephrectomy (removal of entire kidney)
Other Treatments
- Targeted therapy
- Immunotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Ablation procedures
Prognosis and Recovery
The prognosis depends on several factors:
- Stage of cancer at diagnosis
- Type of kidney cancer
- Patient's overall health
- Response to treatment
Living with Kidney Cancer
Lifestyle Recommendations
- Maintain a healthy diet
- Stay physically active
- Quit smoking
- Attend regular follow-up appointments
- Join support groups
When to Contact Your Doctor
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Severe pain
- Heavy bleeding in urine
- High fever
- Difficulty breathing
Prevention
- Maintain healthy blood pressure
- Keep a healthy weight
- Don't smoke
- Limit alcohol consumption
- Regular medical check-ups