In kidney cancer, the cells become malignant (cancerous) and grow out of control, forming a tumor. Almost all kidney cancers first appear in the lining of the tiny tubes (tubules) in the kidney. The most common type of kidney cancer is called a Renal cell Carcinoma which accounts for almost 90% of the cases , other less common types are Transitional cell carcinoma and Wilms Tumor seen in the children . Understanding the signs and symptoms of kidney cancer is crucial for early diagnosis and effective management.
The good news is that most kidney cancers are found before they spread (metastasize) to distant organs and cancers caught early are easier to treat successfully, however these tumors can grow to be quite large before they are detected .
What are the symptoms of kidney cancer?
In many cases patients may have no early symptoms of kidney cancer , as the tumor grows larger symptoms may appear . You may experience one or more such symptoms:
Blood in your urine A lump in side of the abdomen Loss of appetiteA pain in one of the sides that does not go away Unexplained weight lossUnexplained fever , lasting for weeks Extreme fatigue Swelling in your ankles and knees Kidney cancer spreading to other parts may cause symptoms like , Shortness of breath Blood in cough Bone painsWhen discussing symptoms and signs of kidney cancer, it's essential to recognize that these manifestations can vary from person to person. While some individuals may experience classic symptoms such as hematuria or abdominal pain , others may present with more subtle indicators or may remain asymptomatic until the cancer reaches an advanced stage.
Therefore it is important to be vigilant and seek medical attention if any concerning symptoms arise , especially if they persist or worsen over time .
Risk factors of kidney cancer
According to the center of disease control and prevention (CDC):
Family history: Individuals with a family history of kidney cancer or certain genetic conditions, such as von Hippel-Lindau Disease or Hereditary papillary renal cell carcinoma may be at increased risk and should be vigilant about monitoring for symptoms Smoking: Tobacco use is a significant risk factor for kidney cancer with smokers being twice as likely to develop the disease compared to Non smokers. Therefore, individuals who smoke should be aware of this risk and consider quitting to reduce their chances of developing kidney cancer.Obesity: It is another modifiable risk factor for kidney cancer , with overweight and obese individuals being at increased risk compared to those with a healthy weight. Maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise can help reduce the risk of kidney cancer and improve overall health. Hypertension: Chronic high blood pressure has been associated with increased risk of kidney cancer. Therefore, individuals with hypertension should be mindful of this risk factor and discuss appropriate screening measures with their health care provider.Older Age Occupational exposure: Being exposed to workplace toxins such as trichloroethylene , herbicides and asbestos may increase the risk of kidney cancer. Individuals working in these industries should be aware of potential hazards and take appropriate precautions to minimize exposure.
(Author: Dr Aseem Thamba, Consultant, Nephrology & Renal Transplant Physician- Jaslok Hospital & Research Centre, Mumbai)
