Cancer of the kidney is not a very common cancer, but it is still important to be aware of the symptoms and risk factors. The kidneys are a pair of organs that filter the blood and remove waste from the body. They are located in the lower back, just below the rib cage.
Signs and symptoms
Signs and symptoms of kidney cancer may include:
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Blood in the urine
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A mass or lump in the abdomen
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Pain in the side or back
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Weight loss
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Fever
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fatigue
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor so that the cause can be diagnosed and treated.
Causes
The exact cause of kidney cancer is unknown, but there are some risk factors that may increase your chance of developing the disease.
Cause of Kidney cancer include:
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Smoking
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Obesity
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Exposure to certain chemicals
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A family history of kidney cancer
What is the strongest risk factor for renal cell cancer?
Let’s talk about the most dangerous risk factor for renal cell cancer. Most people don’t know what it is, so it’s important to be aware of it.
The strongest risk factor for renal cell cancer is smoking. That’s right, if you’re a smoker, you’re at a much higher risk of developing this type of cancer. Research has shown that smokers are three times more likely to be diagnosed with renal cell cancer than non-smokers.
Other risk factors include age, gender, race, and family history. It’s important to note that these are all risk factors, but none of them are as strong as smoking.
If you’re a smoker, the best thing you can do is quit. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it. Quitting smoking can reduce your risk of renal cell cancer significantly.
It’s also important to be aware of any other symptoms of renal cell cancer, such as blood in the urine, pain in the side or back, and unexplained weight loss. It’s important to seek medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms.
At the end of the day, smoking is the single strongest risk factor for renal cell cancer. If you’re a smoker, quitting is the best thing you can do to reduce your risk.
Prevention
Prevention of kidney cancer is difficult, as the exact cause is unknown. However, there are some lifestyle choices that may reduce your risk, such as maintaining a healthy weight and not smoking.
When is kidney cancer usually diagnosed?
When it comes to kidney cancer, the earlier it's diagnosed the better. Unfortunately, this type of cancer is often not detected until it has reached an advanced stage. So, when is kidney cancer usually diagnosed?
Well, it can be tricky to answer that question as every individual’s experience is different. But there are a few key signs and symptoms that could indicate something is wrong.
If you’re experiencing any of the following, you should see your doctor right away:
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Pain or a lump in your abdomen
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Blood in your urine
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Unexplained weight loss
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Fatigue
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Swelling in your legs or ankles
Your doctor will likely order blood tests, a urine test, and imaging tests like an X-ray, CT scan, or MRI to see if anything is amiss. They may also perform a biopsy to check for cancer cells.
If it is determined that you have kidney cancer, it can be classified as either localized or advanced. Localized kidney cancer is caught early, before it has spread outside the kidney. Advanced kidney cancer, however, means the cancer has spread to other organs or tissue in the body.
No matter the stage of your cancer, you’ll need to begin treatment as soon as possible. Treatment options can include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or immunotherapy.
The bottom line is that kidney cancer can be difficult to detect in its early stages. But if you experience any of the symptoms listed above, don’t wait to get checked out. Early detection can drastically improve your prognosis
Treatment
If you are diagnosed with kidney cancer, treatment will depend on the stage of the disease. Treatment options may include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
Coping and support
Kidney cancer can be a difficult diagnosis to cope with. You may experience anxiety, depression, and fear. It is important to find a support group or counselor to help you through this time.
Complications
There are some potential complications of kidney cancer, such as pain, bleeding, and infection. These can usually be treated with medication.
Living with Kidney Cancer
If you have kidney cancer, it is important to follow your treatment plan and see your doctor for regular checkups. You may also want to consider making some lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly.
