Renal cell carcinoma is a form of kidney cancer, a group of diseases that collectively accounted for 49,096 new diagnoses and 11,033 deaths in the United States in 2009, according to the National Cancer Institute. Renal cell carcinoma originates from cells that line the small tubules of the kidney responsible for filtering the blood. The cancer develops when normal cells acquire genetic mutations that allow the cells to proliferate out of control, leading to the development of a tumor. A number of factors can place an individual at a higher risk of developing kidney disease.
Smoking
Smoking can increase the risk of developing kidney cancer, as well as other forms of cancer such as lung cancer, esophageal cancer, and cancers in the mouth. According to the University of North Carolina, smoking accounts for 24 to 30 percent of renal cell carcinoma cases. Smoking contributes to renal cell carcinoma by continually exposing the kidney cells to tobacco and other bi-products, which enter the bloodstream after smoking. Many of the chemicals released into the blood after smoking are considered mutagens, which means that they cause genetic mutations in cells. Over time, kidney cells continually exposed to mutagens will develop mutations that allow for the development of a tumor, leading to kidney cancer.
Excess Body Weight
Obesity, carrying excess body fat, can also cause renal cell carcinoma, as well as a number of other forms of cancer. In a study published in the British Journal of Cancer in 2001, Dr. A. Bergström analyzed data from 22 independent studies, and found that men and women carrying excess weight presented an increased risk for developing the disease, with the risk increasing as a patient's weight increased. Obesity cause by a diet rich in processed carbohydrates and fat may contribute to renal cell carcinoma since both high blood fatty acid levels and blood sugar levels have an effect on kidney cells. Obese patients can lower their risk of developing kidney cancer by losing weight, exercising regularly and maintaining a balanced diet.
Von Hippel-Lindau
Von Hippel-Lindau disease, or VHL, can cause renal cell carcinoma. This rare genetic disorder affects one in 36,000 people, according to New York University. Patients with VHL have a genetic mutation in a tumor suppressor gene, which results in uncontrolled growth of blood vessels. This mutation also aids in the development of renal cell carcinoma, since the kidney cells also lack the functional tumor suppressor gene so they are prone to becoming cancerous. The increased growth of blood vessels may also help tumor growth, as new blood vessel growth is an essential step in tumor development. Many VHL patients develop renal cell carcinoma, and the cancer is the most common cause of death from VHL, according to NYU.
