Kidney CancerKidney cancer is a disease in which the cells in certain tissues of the kidney start to grow abnormally and form tumors. The most common type is known as renal cell carcinoma (or sometimes called renal carcinoma). This occurs in the cells lining the kidneys. It accounts for approximately eighty five percent (85%) of all kidney tumors. What causes cancer of the kidney?The precise causes of kidney cancer are unknown. However, statistics show that it occurs twice as often in men than women and is slightly more common in Caucasian males. It most often develops in adults between the ages of 50 and 70, and is more common in urban, industrialised areas.There is a strong association, however, between cigarette smoking and cancer of the kidney. It doubles the risk of getting the disease. There has also been some association between this kidney disease and certain types of pain-killers that contain a chemical called phenacetin. Other risk factors include: • exposure to asbestos and cadmium What are the SYMPTOMS ?Some people experience loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, constipation, weakness and fatigue.Other common symptoms include: • blood in urine (hematuria) Having some of these symptoms may not necessarily mean that you have cancer of kidney. Other illnesses or conditions can also account for some of the symptoms outlined above. But anyone who is experiencing many of these symptoms should promptly visit their health care professional to investigate and determine the cause.
DIAGNOSISA diagnostic examination for kidney cancer includes a thorough medical history and a complete physical examination. The doctor will usually probe the abdomen for lumps and order blood tests. These tests are used to check for changes in blood chemistry caused by substances released by the tumor.Laboratory tests may reveal abnormal levels of iron in the blood. Also, low red blood cell count (anemia) or a high red blood cell count (erythrocytosis) may accompany kidney cancer. Sometimes a patient may also have high calcium levels. These are the preliminary tests and indicators. Based on the results the doctor may order an intravenous pyelogram (IVP). This is an x-ray test in which a dye is injected into a vein in the arm. The dye travels through the body and it outlines the kidneys, ureters, and the urinary bladder. On an x-ray image, the dye reveals any abnormalities of the urinary tract. Renal ultrasound is a diagnostic test which uses sound waves to form an image of the kidneys. Imaging tests such as computed tomography scans (CT scans) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can also be used to check whether the tumor has spread to other organs or areas outside the kidney. The final test used to positively identify kidney cancer is a kidney biopsy. A small piece of tissue is removed from the tumor and examined under a microscope. The biopsy gives information about the type of tumor, the cells involved and the aggressiveness of the tumor (tumor stage). If after all the various tests the doctor diagnoses kidney cancer, a course of treatment is then determined, based on the stage of the cancer and other factors as well.
Kidney cancer treatment is different for each person. It depends on several factors including the location, size, stage of the tumor, patient's age, general health and medical history. The primary treatment for kidney cancer that has not spread to other parts of the body is surgical removal of the diseased kidney (nephrectomy). In most cases cancer only affects one kidney. It is therefore possible to remove one kidney without diminishing the function of the one remaining healthy kidney. Radio therapy is another form of treatment for kidney cancer. It involves exposing the cancer cells to high-energy gamma rays, which generally destroys cancer cells with minimal damage to the normal tissues. Side effects are nausea, tiredness, and stomach upsets. These symptoms are normally short term and disappear once the treatment is over. Radiation therapy has been shown to alleviate pain and bleeding, and is used mainly in circumstances when the cancer is inoperable. It has not proven to be very successful in destroying the kidney cancer cells, therefore, radiation therapy is seldom used. Treatment of kidney cancer with anticancer drugs (chemotherapy) has not produced good result either. However, new drugs and new combinations of drugs continue to be tested in clinical trials. In addition to these conventional treatments of kidney cancer, alternative treatments have been receiving much attention within recent times. Treatments such as homeopathic medicine and nutrition are being increasingly considered by patients. (The ideas behind homeopathic medicine are similar to those of vaccinations; however, they are using natural ingredients to ward off symptoms.) Because kidney cancer is often caught early and it sometimes progresses slowly, the chances of surgical cure are good. Ultimately though, the best treatment is always prevention. Maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle is the best way to lower one's risk of this cancer.
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