Certain factors increase the likelihood of developing renal cancer. People over the age of 60 are more likely to be diagnosed with this condition. Smoking also raises the risk, which can decrease after quitting but takes many years to return to the level of non-smokers. Being overweight affects hormones in ways that may lead to kidney cancer, and high blood pressure is another risk factor. A family history of kidney cancer can increase risk, possibly due to genetic factors. Long-term use of some pain medications and exposure to specific workplace substances like asbestos and certain chemicals can also heighten the risk. Additionally, those with advanced kidney disease, especially those requiring dialysis, are at a higher risk. While these factors do not guarantee one will develop kidney cancer, they do increase the chances compared to individuals without these factors.
Symptoms of Renal Cancer
Renal cancer often doesn’t cause noticeable symptoms in its early stages. However, as the disease progresses, symptoms can become more apparent. The two most common symptoms of renal cancer are blood in the urine, which may make the urine look pink, red, or cola-colored, and a lump or mass that can be felt in the side or abdomen. Other common symptoms include:
- Persistent pain in the side or lower back that doesn’t go away;
- Loss of appetite;
- Unintended weight loss;
- Anemia, which can make you feel tired and weak.
These symptoms can vary and are sometimes caused by other, less serious conditions. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a healthcare provider for further evaluation.
Diagnosis & Treatment Options
Renal cancer, or kidney cancer, is diagnosed using several methods. Initially, doctors might perform imaging tests such as ultrasounds, CT scans, or MRIs, which can help see the kidney in detail and identify any tumors. A biopsy, where a small sample of kidney tissue is taken and examined under a microscope, may also be used to confirm the presence of cancer cells.
Treatment for renal cancer depends on the stage of the cancer, the patient’s overall health, and other factors. The two most common treatment options are surgery and targeted therapy. Surgery involves removing the cancerous part of the kidney or the entire kidney if necessary. Targeted therapy uses drugs to specifically attack cancer cells without harming normal cells.
Other common treatment options include:
- Radiation therapy, which uses high-energy rays to target and kill cancer cells;
- Immunotherapy, which helps the immune system recognize and destroy cancer cells;
- Cryotherapy, which freezes and kills cancer cells;
- Radiofrequency ablation, which uses heat to destroy cancer cells.
The choice of treatment depends on the stage of the cancer, the patient’s overall health, and other factors. These days, medical professionals have various ways to treat cancer, including the options mentioned above. Sometimes, doctors combine these treatments, but there may be cases where they are no longer effective, prompting consideration of other options. To stay informed about new treatments, it is crucial to conduct extensive online research. If you are diagnosed with renal cancer and unsatisfied with your treatment plan, seeking a second opinion from another hospital or oncology center is always a wise decision. Keep exploring to learn more about cancer, the stages of kidney cancer, and its treatment options. Continue your search here:
