Kidney cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting adults worldwide, yet many people know very little about it until someone they know is diagnosed.
Kidney cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the kidney grow uncontrollably and form a tumor.
Here are important facts to know about it.
1. Not all kidney tumors are cancerous
About 1 in 4 kidney masses are considered benign (noncancerous). A kidney tumor is considered cancerous if the cells have genetic changes that cause the cells to grow out of control and metastasize (spread to nearby tissues).
2. There are several types
While there are several types of kidney cancer, about 90 percent of all kidney cancers are renal cell cancer, also known as renal cell carcinoma (RCC), making it the most common. It grows in the lining of the tiny tubules inside the kidney that filter the blood and make urine, while renal sarcoma is the rarest kidney cancer and makes up just one percent of all kidney cancer cases. It develops in the fat or the connective tissue around the kidney.
3. It has little to no warning signs in the early stages
Like other cancers, kidney cancer rarely shows signs or symptoms in its early stages. This means it is often diagnosed after it has begun to spread. As it progresses, possible warning signs or symptoms may include the following:
- Blood in the urine
- Lower back pain
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Lump in the side or lower back
- Fever
If you notice any of these symptoms, see your doctor right away.
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4. It is more common in men
Kidney cancer is generally more common in men than in women. Black people have a slightly higher rate of renal cell cancer than white people.
5. Age, smoking, and family history increase risk factors
People with a family history of kidney cancer may have a higher risk of developing the disease themselves. This risk is highest for brothers or sisters of those with the cancer.
The risk for developing the disease also increases with age, and it is also more frequently diagnosed in adults over the age of 50. However, younger people and women can still develop the disease, so no one should ignore warning signs.
Smoking has been linked with as many as one-third of all kidney cancer cases. Other major risk factors include obesity, high blood pressure, and exposure to chemicals like asbestos and cadmium. In addition, people who receive long-term dialysis to treat kidney failure have a higher risk of developing kidney cancer.
6. It can spread to other parts of the body
If not treated early, it may spread to other organs, such as the lungs, bones, liver, brain, etc.
This is known as metastatic kidney cancer and can be more difficult to treat. About 30% of those who are diagnosed with renal cell cancer develop advanced (metastatic) disease. This is why early diagnosis is extremely important.
7. Treatment depends on the stage of the cancer
Treatment options vary depending on how advanced the cancer is. Surgery is the most common treatment, especially in the early stages. Doctors may remove part of the kidney (partial nephrectomy) or the entire kidney if necessary (nephrectomy).
Other options include targeted therapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
Sources: National Kidney Foundation, National Foundation for Kidney Research, Mykidney cancerteam.com