Cancer specialist, Ankur Bahl of Max Hospital, Saket guides people about kidney cancer, its symptoms and treatment
Kidneys are more than just two bean shaped organs which filter blood. It also removes excess water, salt and waste products from the body by making urine. The kidneys also help control blood pressure and regulate the production of red blood cells. Cancer begins when normal cells start to grow out of control and cause damage to the genetic framework due to mutations.
Types of kidney cancer
The most common type of kidney cancer is Renal Cell Carcinoma(RCC) also known as renal cell cancer. RCC grows as a single tumor within the kidney. At times, two or more tumors can be found in one kidney or in some cases both the kidneys can be affected.
Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma is the most common form of RCC. Out of 10 people eight diagnosed are affected by this type. Out of 10 people two are diagnosed with Non-Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma, another form of RCC.
Scientists have found various risk factors that may increase the chance of developing kidney cancer such as smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, long term dialysis, work-place exposures, genetic and hereditary factors.
Symptoms
Some common symptoms include spotting blood in the urine, formation of a lump in the abdomen, constant pain in the abdomen, fever, weight loss and fatigue. Few early tests can help identify the occurrence of kidney cancer like physical examination, urine and blood test, biopsy of the kidney tissue, ultra sound, CT scan, MRI scan and surgical removal of kidney tissues.
The size and spread of the tumor define the stage of the kidney cancer. There are four stages of kidney cancer. When the tumor is seven centimeter or smaller and is located only in the kidney, when the tumor is larger than seven centimeter and is only located in the kidney. The tumor can be of any size and is found only in the kidney or in nearby areas like lymph nodes and fatty tissues around the kidneys
However, kidney cancer can be cured and treated if detected at the right time. After the disease is detected, the available treatment options include primary surgery, which is the most common treatment for kidney cancer. It increases the survival chances by 70 per cent especially when the tumor is confined within the kidneys. The second most common treatment is targeted therapy. Other treatments include chemotherapy, radiation therapy and other local therapies can be used for optimal treatment.Sometimes more than one type of treatment can be used depending on the cancer stage and treatment options.
Some common type of side effects of kidney cancer treatment may include nausea, vomiting, weakness, weight loss, hair loss, skin rash, diarrhoea and flu like symptoms which can be fairly well managed.
After the treatment is completed, routine follow-up care is very essential to monitor the recovery and for restricting any possible re-occurrence of the disease. Many patients with kidney cancer present at late stages with an aggressive disease and with an appropriate treatment plan their lives can be extended by four to five years by using various treatment options and oral targeted therapies. In case, the disease is detected at an early stage due to early diagnosis, life of such patients can be easily extended beyond five years with many patients having a life expectancy of about nine to ten years with a good quality of life. Early diagnosis is very very important in order to live longer and fight cancer.
lack of awareness and unwillingness to undergo regular check-ups leads to late diagnosis of any cancer. With early detection, kidney cancer can be treated successfully to achieve maximum survival.