Kidney Cancer

Kidney Cancer is a disease in which cancer cells grow in the kidneys. The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs, located just above the waist, on each side of the spine. Their main function is to filter the blood and produce urine by which the body rids itself of waste products and excess water. Cancer occurs when cells in the body (in this case kidney cells) divide without control or order. Normally, cells divide in a regulated manner. If cells keep dividing uncontrollably when new cells are not needed, a mass of tissue forms, called a growth or tumor. The term cancer refers to malignant tumors, which can invade nearby tissues and can spread to other parts of the body. A benign tumor does not invade or spread.

The cause of Kidney Cancer is unknown.

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.

• Smoking
• Family history of certain hereditary forms of kidney cancer
• Age: 50 or older
• Sex: Male
• Certain occupational exposures (e.g., asbestos) and tanning products
• Dialysis treatment

Symptoms may include:

• Blood in the urine
• Unexplained lower back pain
• Lump in the belly
• Elevated blood pressure
• Unplanned, significant weight loss
• Unexplained fever
• Swelling of ankles, legs, and/or abdomen

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam.
Tests may include:
Blood and urine tests - to check kidney function or to find substances that indicate kidney cancer may be present
X-rays of the chest and abdomen - a test that uses radiation to take pictures of structures inside the body
Intravenous pyelogram - an x-ray of the kidneys and ureters after injection of contrast dye into the blood
Renal angiography - an x-ray of arteries that are leading to a possible kidney tumor
CT scan - a type of x-ray that uses a computer to make pictures of the inside of the kidneys and their surroundings
MRI scan - a test that uses magnetic waves to make pictures of the inside of the kidneys and their surroundings
Renal ultrasound - a test that uses sound waves to examine the kidneys
Laparoscopy - a thin, lighted tube inserted through a small incision in the abdomen to look at the kidney
Cytoscopy - examination of the bladder, ureters, and kidneys via a thin tube inserted through the urethra
Biopsy - removal of a sample of kidney tissue to test for cancer cells

Once Kidney Cancer is found, staging tests are performed to find out if the cancer has spread and, if so, to what extent. Treatment depends on the stage.
Surgery – surgical removal of a cancerous tumor and nearby tissues, and possibly nearby lymph nodes. Surgeries to treat kidney cancer include:
Radical Nephrectomy – removal of the entire kidney, adrenal gland, and nearby fatty tissue and lymph nodes.
Partial Nephrectomy – removal of the cancerous part of the kidney only. Used to treat smaller tumors that have not spread locally.
Removal of Metastases – removal of cancerous tissues that have spread to other parts of the body, particularly if they are causing symptoms.
Radiation Therapy (or Radiotherapy) – the use of radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation may be:
External Radiation Therapy – radiation directed at the tumor from a source outside the body
Internal Radiation Therapy – radioactive materials placed into the body near the cancer cells
Chemotherapy – the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy may be given in many forms including: pill, injection, and via a catheter. The drugs enter the bloodstream and travel through the body killing mostly cancer cells, but also some healthy cells.
Immunotherapy - the use of drugs like interleukin-2 and interferon to help the immune system to better fight and destroy cancer cells.

Measures to prevent Kidney Cancer are limited:

• Avoid using tobacco products
• Avoid occupational exposures

See your doctor at the first sign of possible symptoms, since early detection is the key to cure.