Kidney Cancer

·       Kidney cancer, also known as renal cancer, is among the 10 most common cancers in men and women. There are four types: Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC), Urothelial Carcinoma, Wilms Tumor, Renal Sarcoma. Treatment options for kidney cancer vary based on the grade and sage of the cancer found, whether it has spread, and general health. Many times, with a timely diagnosis and treatment kidney cancer can be cured.

Definition

Healthy kidneys work around the clock to clean our blood, which is why they’re essential. Everyday they clean about 150 quarts of blood and remove about 1-2 quarts of water and waste from the blood in the form of urine. When cells grow out of control in the kidneys, it’s called kidney cancer. Kidney cancer is rare in people younger than 45 years of age. Most cases are caused by a genetic mutation that is not inherited. 

Most kidney cancer is found during a routine screening or when you go the to the doctor for another reason. It’s rare to have symptoms in the early stages of kidney cancer. A person whose kidney cancer is more advanced may have: 

·       Blood in urine 

·       Pain in the side, belly or back that doesn’t go away 

·       A lump in the abdomen

·       Loss of appetite

·       Weight loss for no known reason 

·       Low iron and fatigue

There are four types of kidney cancer 

·       Renal Cell Carcinoma – accounts for about 90% of kidney cancers 

·       Urothelial Carcinoma – accounts for 5-10% of kidney cancers 

·       Wilms Tumor – almost always occurs in children

·       Renal Sarcoma – the most rare and accounts for just 1% of all kidney cancer cases

Treatment options for kidney cancer vary based on the grade and stage of the cancer, whether it has spread and general health. Many times, with a timely diagnosis and treatment kidney, cancer can be cured. 

In an effort to lower your risk of kidney cancer, you should take steps recommended to lower the risk of other cancers and heart disease. These include, not smoking, keeping your weight within a healthy range and eating plenty of fruits and vegetables.