Kidney cancer is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide and is responsible for around 2% of all cancer deaths.

It is a disease that affects the kidneys, which are two bean-shaped organs located at the base of the rib cage on either side of the spine. The kidneys are responsible for filtering and eliminating waste materials from the blood and producing urine. Kidney cancer can take several different forms, but the most common form is renal cell carcinoma.

Renal Cell Carcinoma

Renal cell carcinoma is also known as clear cell carcinoma because of the clear appearance of the cells when viewed under a microscope.

This type of cancer originates in the cells of the lining of the tubules in the kidney that filter waste products from the blood. The exact mechanism by which renal cell carcinoma develops is not fully understood, but it is thought to arise from genetic mutations or alterations that occur in the DNA of the cells.

There are several subtypes of renal cell carcinoma, each of which has distinct characteristics and patterns of development. These include:.

Papillary Renal Cell Carcinoma

Papillary renal cell carcinoma is a form of kidney cancer that arises from the cells that line the tubules in the kidney. It is characterized by the presence of small, finger-like projections that extend from the surface of the tumor.

These projections are made up of cells that are similar in appearance to normal kidney cells, but which have undergone genetic mutations that cause them to grow abnormally and form a tumor.

Chromophobe Renal Cell Carcinoma

Chromophobe renal cell carcinoma is a form of kidney cancer that arises from the cells that line the tubules in the kidney. It is characterized by the presence of large, pale cells that have a distinctive appearance under the microscope.

These cells are thought to represent a type of cell that has partially differentiated along the pathway to becoming a mature kidney cell, but which has undergone genetic mutations that cause it to abandon this pathway and become cancerous.

Collecting Duct Carcinoma

Collecting duct carcinoma is a form of kidney cancer that arises from the cells that line the collecting ducts in the kidney.

These ducts are responsible for carrying urine from the tubules in the kidney to the renal pelvis, which is the part of the kidney that collects urine before it is expelled from the body. Collecting duct carcinoma is a rare form of kidney cancer, and its exact mechanism of development is not fully understood.

Transitional Cell Carcinoma

Transitional cell carcinoma is a form of kidney cancer that arises from the cells that line the ureters, which are the tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder. It is also sometimes referred to as urothelial carcinoma.

Transitional cell carcinoma is more commonly associated with bladder cancer, but it can also occur in the kidneys.

Wilms Tumor

Wilms tumor is a form of kidney cancer that is most commonly seen in children. It arises from the cells that form the precursors to mature kidney cells.

Wilms tumor is caused by genetic mutations that occur during fetal development, and it is thought to be a result of the failure of the immature kidney cells to differentiate properly.

Conclusion

In conclusion, kidney cancer is a complex disease that can take several different forms. Each form has distinct characteristics and patterns of development, and the mechanisms by which they arise are not fully understood.

An evolutionary perspective can help us to understand the genetic mutations and alterations that lead to the development of kidney cancer, and may help us to develop new treatments and therapies for this disease in the future.