Kidney cancer develops in the kidneys, crucial in filtering waste products and excess fluids from the bloodstream. It is considered one of the top ten most common cancers and is more prevalent in men than women. Unfortunately, it is often asymptomatic during its early stages, making it challenging to detect until it has progressed. This article discusses the types, signs, causes, and treatment options available to help one manage the condition better.

Types
There are several types of kidney cancer, the most common being clear cell renal cell carcinoma (RCC), which accounts for almost 85% of all kidney cancer cases. It is often malignant, which means that it has the potential to invade and damage surrounding tissues or spread to other parts of the body.
Other less common types include Wilms tumor, seen mainly in children, renal sarcoma that affects a kidney’s connective tissue, and Transitional cell carcinoma (TCC). Benign kidney tumors are noncancerous and do not spread to other organs, but they may show specific symptoms similar to kidney cancer.

Signs
It’s crucial to understand that signs and symptoms of kidney cancer may vary significantly from one person to another, depending on the stage, size of the cancer, age, and overall health condition. Additionally, many of these telltale signs often remain concealed during the early stages of the disease. But some of the most common signs that should prompt medical evaluation include:

Blood in the urine
Medically termed as hematuria, this is a hallmark sign of kidney cancer. Blood presence in the urine may also have other causes, like urinary tract infections and kidney stones, but it warrants immediate medical attention in all cases. Hematuria can manifest as pink, red, or brownish urine; the bleeding may sometimes be internal.

Lower back pain
Many individuals with kidney cancer report experiencing persistent pain in the side or lower back, just below the ribcage. It may surge without injury, persist for long, and not subside with position changes or general home remedies. The pain may feel dull, sharp, or stabbing, depending on the tumor’s location and size.

Lumps or swelling
One may notice a lump or mass in the lower back region, lower abdomen, or on one side of the waist, indicating a tumor that has grown large and needs professional assessment. One may also experience swelling in the abdomen and lower back region.

Fatigue and anemia
Kidney cancer can disrupt the production of a hormone responsible for red blood cell production, causing anemia and weakness. Cancerous cells also consume a lot of energy, leading to unexplained fatigue in individuals.

Loss of appetite
A diminished appetite or a feeling of fullness after eating small amounts of food can indicate kidney cancer. Tumors in the kidney can interfere with digestion and lead to changes in appetite and eating habits.

Night sweats
This is marked by sweating profusely while asleep and waking up with soaked clothes or wet bedding. Night sweats usually accompany other symptoms like fever and can have multiple non-threatening causes. But one should get one’s health checked in case of persistent night sweats.

Fever
Another early sign of kidney cancer is a low-grade fever that occurs without infections and may be challenging to get rid of.

Kidney cancer may not always announce itself with obvious symptoms, making early detection a challenge. However, recognizing these subtle signs can help diagnose the condition at an early stage and enable treatments to be more effective. A healthcare professional must be prioritized if one or someone known experiences these symptoms.

Causes of kidney cancer

Genetics
In many cases, kidney cancer is caused because of specific genetic mutations that run in an individual’s family. Conditions like von Hippel-Lindau disease and hereditary papillary renal cell carcinoma can increase the likelihood of kidney cancer.

Accumulation of fats
Excess accumulation of fats in the body, particularly in the abdominal region, can elevate the likelihood of kidney cancer. The additional fatty tissue can lead to hormonal imbalances and chronic inflammation, creating a favorable environment for the growth of cancerous cells.

High blood pressure
Chronic hypertension can put additional stress on the kidneys and may increase the risk of kidney cancer.

Exposure to certain chemicals
Occupational exposure to certain chemicals and toxins, such as asbestos and cadmium, has been linked to kidney cancer. Workers in industries particularly involving these substances are at a higher risk.

Gender and age
Men are generally more susceptible to kidney cancer than women. Additionally, the risk of developing kidney cancer increases with age, with most cases occurring in individuals over 45.

Common treatment options

Surgery
Nephrectomy is a type of surgery for kidney cancer that removes the tumor or the affected kidney. Sometimes, a portion of healthy tissues and nearby lymph nodes may also be removed to avoid spreading the disease.

Targeted therapies
Targeted therapies interfere with cancer growth. They can slow down or halt kidney cancer progression by blocking signals that promote tumor growth.

Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a treatment that boosts the body’s immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. Specific immunotherapies have shown promise in treating advanced kidney cancer.

Radiation therapy
This can be used to alleviate specific symptoms or when surgery is not possible. In radiation therapy, high-energy beams are directed at the tumor to destroy or shrink cancer cells.

Clinical trials
Clinical trials may offer experimental treatments for kidney cancer. These trials evaluate new therapies and treatment approaches to improve patient outcomes.

When someone has a small or slow-growing tumor, doctors may choose to monitor the disease progression through regular imaging tests instead of immediately intervening. If necessary, they can then treat the tumor with a suitable treatment. However, it’s crucial to have regular checkups to avoid any delays in treatment.