Kidney cancer, also known as renal cell carcinoma, is a type of cancer that develops in the cells of the kidney. It is one of the common forms of cancer and often shows no symptoms in its early stages.

Symptoms of kidney cancer

While most people with kidney cancer do not show any symptoms in the early stages, some may experience certain symptoms which include:.

Blood in the urine
Pain in the side or lower back
Unexplained weight loss
A persistent fever
Fatigue and loss of appetite

If these symptoms persist for more than two weeks, then it is advisable to consult a doctor.

Causes of kidney cancer

The exact cause of kidney cancer is still unknown. However, certain factors increase the risk of developing this cancer. These include:.

Smoking
Overuse of painkillers
Occupational exposure to chemicals such as asbestos and cadmium
Obesity
High blood pressure
Genetic conditions such as Von Hippel-Lindau disease and hereditary papillary renal cell carcinoma

Kidney cancer is more common in men than women and people over the age of 60 years.

Diagnosis of kidney cancer

The diagnosis of kidney cancer usually begins with a physical examination. The doctor checks for any lumps or other abnormalities in the abdomen. The doctor may also recommend diagnostic tests to confirm the diagnosis. These tests may include:.

1. Urine tests

A urine test can help detect the presence of blood in the urine, which can be an early sign of kidney cancer. This test can also help rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms.

2. Imaging tests

Imaging tests such as CT scans, MRIs, and ultrasounds can help detect the presence, size, and location of the tumor. These tests can also help determine whether the cancer has spread to other organs.

3. Biopsy

If the imaging tests suggest that a person has kidney cancer, the doctor may perform a biopsy. In this test, a small sample of tissue is taken from the kidney and examined under a microscope to confirm the diagnosis.

4. Blood tests

Blood tests can also help detect certain substances in the blood that may indicate the presence of kidney cancer.

Treatment options for kidney cancer

The treatment for kidney cancer depends on the stage and extent of the cancer. The main treatment options for kidney cancer include:.

1. Surgery

Surgery is the most common treatment option for kidney cancer. In this procedure, the surgeon removes the affected kidney, along with the adjacent lymph nodes and any other infected tissues.

Surgery is usually recommended for people with smaller tumors that have not spread beyond the kidney.

2. Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy involves the use of high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells. This treatment is usually reserved for people with advanced kidney cancer who are unable to undergo surgery.

3. Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. This treatment is usually recommended for people with advanced kidney cancer who are not able to undergo surgery or radiation therapy.

4. Targeted therapy

Targeted therapy is a type of treatment that focuses on specific molecules within cancer cells that help them grow and divide. This treatment is usually reserved for people with advanced kidney cancer who are not responding to other treatments.

Prevention of kidney cancer

While it may not be possible to completely prevent kidney cancer, making certain lifestyle changes can help reduce the risk of developing this cancer. These changes include:.

Quitting smoking
Maintaining a healthy weight
Limiting the use of painkillers
Protecting oneself from occupational exposure to chemicals such as asbestos and cadmium
Managing high blood pressure

It is also important to get regular check-ups and screenings to detect any signs of kidney cancer early on.