Renal Cell Carcinoma
Renal Cell Carcinoma is the most common type of kidney cancer experienced by adults. Renal Cell Carcinoma develops in a part of the filtering system of the kidneys called the tubules. According to WebMD, “Renal Cell Carcinoma accounts for about 85% of cancers arising from the kidney”. Of the roughly 32,000 Americans diagnosed with Renal Cell Carcinoma each year, most of these people are between the ages of 50-70 years of age, but Renal Cell Carcinoma can occur in all ages, races, sexes and ethnic groups.
Causes of Renal Cell Carcinoma
The use of nicotine through cigarette smoking is known to double the risk of developing Renal Cell Carcinoma. Cigarette smoking has been linked to as many as one third of all Renal Cell Carcinoma diagnoses.
Being obese is also a risk factor in developing Renal Cell Carcinoma. Being obese and developing Renal Cell Carcinoma seems to be more prevalent among women.
Certain jobs may increase your risk of developing Renal Cell Carcinoma. Those who are often exposed to things such as petroleum products, heavy metals, solvents, coke-oven emissions or asbestos are at a higher risk of developing Renal Cell Carcinoma.
Other risk factors for Renal Cell Carcinoma include tuberous sclerosis, Von Hippel-Lindau disease, Cystic changes in kidney and renal dialysis, cystic kidney disease that is associated with chronic renal insufficiency, a family history of renal cancer and associated malignancy.
Symptoms of Renal Cell Carcinoma
During the early stages of there are usually no symptoms that Renal Cell Carcinoma is present. Symptoms may only be noticeable when the cancer grows and starts to press on other parts of the body or the surrounding tissues. Keep in mind that symptoms of Renal Cell Carcinoma will be different depending on the person. Common symptoms of Renal Cell Carcinoma include:
Blood in the urine
Flank pain that will not go away
Noticeable mass in flank
Weight loss
Fatigue
Loss of appetite
Fevers
Night sweats
Malaise
Anemia
Paraneoplastic syndromes (symptoms caused by the tumor releasing cytokines or hormones)
High blood pressure
Hypercalcemia
Polycythemia
Liver disorders
Muscle weakness
Neuropathy
Amyloidosis
Persons experiencing any of these symptoms should consult a physician. Renal Cell Carcinoma has a obedient success rate if it is caught in time so it is important to prefer your symptoms seriously.
Exams and Tests Used to Diagnose Renal Cell Carcinoma
Thorough review of medical records and patients past health and habits as well as family medical history
Complete physical exam
X-rays
CT Scan
Laboratory tests
Biopsy
Staging
Intravenous pyelogram
Arteriography/venography
Ultrasonography
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Positron emission tomography (PET Scan)
Bone scan
Urine analysis
Blood tests
Renal Cell Carcinoma Treatment
The success rate of curing Renal Cell Carcinoma will depend on how early it is diagnosed as well as the person diagnosed. Renal Cell Carcinoma that is caught early is typically cured at least half of the time. The bad news is, is that Renal Cell Carcinoma is not often found until it is in an advanced stage.
Types of Medical Treatment for Renal Cell Carcinoma
Surgery
Chemotherapy
Hormone therapy
Biological therapy
Immunotherapy
Radiation
Preventing Renal Cell Carcinoma
Your best bet in preventing Renal Cell Carcinoma is not smoking (and if you do you should quit), eating a top-notch diet, getting enough exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, educating yourself on your family medical history and taking any symptoms seriously.
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