Early Signs of Kidney Cancer

Kidney cancer, also called renal cancer, reflects do not reflect symptoms in early stages. The cancer form usually manifests age group of 40 to 70, beginning by formation of tumour in kidney. Thereafter, an individual may experience blood in the urine, a lump in the abdomen and persistent pain below ribs. Common conditions experienced due to kidney cancer include persistent fatigue, recurrent fevers, weight loss, swelling in legs especially ankles and high blood pressure.

However, these conditions could also arise due to other health problems. Therefore, complete diagnosis should be followed after experiencing these signs. These conditions reveal chance of kidney cancer and caution one for getting it treated immediately. If spread of cancer is confined, treatment only removes the affected portion of the kidney without rendering any health risks.

Facts about Kidney Cancer

•  Kidney cells become malignant (cancerous) and grow exponentially out of control to form tumour.
•  The tumour is usually picked up on ultrasound scan, or CT scan, or urine test, or blood test that is done for some other health conditions.
•  First indication of kidney cancer is symmetrical tiny tubes (tubules) in the kidney.
•  Kidney cancer is also referred renal cell carcinoma.
•  Kidney tumour is easily treated in early stages. However, usually kidney cancer tumours grow to be quite large before being diagnosed.
•  Kidney cancer affects functioning of kidney, which is responsible for blood purification, removing waste and producing urine.

Causes of Kidney Cancer

1. Smoking

Cigarette smoking succumbs to the risk of developing kidney cancer. Smokers are the more prone to the malady and persistence with the habit increase consequences of the disease.

2. Obesity

Obesity is root cause of many health ailments, kidney cancer being one among those. Obesity leads to health conditions like high blood pressure that increases risk of kidney cancer.

3. Genetic Disorder

Genetic disorders like Von Hippel-Lindau syndrome (VHL) increase kidney cancer risk.

Treatment of Kidney Cancer

Kidney cancer is treated in several ways, depending on its spreading status or type.  

•  In order to remove kidney cancer, one needs to undergo treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy and immunotherapy.
•  Partial nephrectomy and nephron-sparing surgery procedures helps to preserve functions of kidney.
•  In order to ease emotional and practical problems, an individual can go for supportive care, symptom management, or palliative care.
•  Arterial embolisation is another treatment method of kidney cancer that shrinks tumour.

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