Renal cell cancer (also called kidney cancer) is a disease in which cancer cells are found in the lining of tubules in the kidney. There are 2 kidneys, one on each side of the backbone, above the wais..
Renal cell cancer (also called kidney cancer) is a disease in which cancer cells are found in the lining of tubules in the kidney. There are 2 kidneys, one on each side of the backbone, above the waist. They filter the blood and take out waste products and make urine. The incidence of kidney cancer seems to be increasing. One reason for this may be the fact that imaging scans such as Ultrasonography are being used more often. Fortunately, in many such cases, kidney cancer is found at an early stage, when the tumors are small and confined to the kidney, making it easier to treat. A significant number of such patient can be cured with surgery.
Kidney cancer rarely causes signs or symptoms in its early stages. In the later stages, kidney cancer signs and symptoms may include:
- Blood in your urine, which may appear pink, red or cola colored
- Pain in your back or side that doesn't go away
- Loss of appetite
- Unexplained weight loss
- Tiredness
- Fever, which usually comes and goes (intermittent)
- Smoking: Smokers have a greater risk of kidney cancer than nonsmokers do. The risk decreases after you quit.
- Misusing certain pain medicines: including over-the-counter pain medicines, for a long time.
- Certain inherited syndromes: Such as those who have von Hippel-Lindau disease, Birt-Hogg-Dube syndrome, tuberous sclerosis complex, hereditary papillary renal cell carcinoma or familial renal cancer.
- Having a family history of renal cell cancer: Even in the absence of an inherited syndrome, people who have a strong family history of renal cell cancer have a greater risk of kidney cancer.
- Exposure to certain substances: in the workplace this might include, for example, exposure to cadmium or specific herbicides.
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Our superspecialist doctors provide the highest quality of care through a team-based, doctor-led model. Trained at some of the world's most renowned i..... Continue Reading
