Each kidney contains a series of tubules that aid in the filtration of blood, retention of nutrients and blood pressure control, and each tubule is lined with epithelial cells that support kidney function. Renal cell carcinoma is a cancer originated from the epithelial cells linking the kidney tubules, leading to progressive kidney damage as the cancer progresses. Renal cell carcinoma may develop due to a number of underlying causes.
Cigarette Smoke
A common cause of renal cell carcinoma is exposure to cigarette smoke, either by directly smoking or through prolonged exposure to second-hand smoke. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, smokers increase their risk of developing renal cell carcinoma twofold over patients who do not smoke. Upon exposure to cigarette smoke, chemicals within the lungs can eventually enter the bloodstream, and these chemicals eventually accumulate within the blood filtration units of the kidney. Sustained exposure to these chemicals can lead to genetic mutations to renal cells, promoting abnormal proliferation and the eventual formation of a tumor. Quitting smoking and avoiding exposure to second-hand smoke can help reduce a patients risk of developing renal cell carcinoma, and improve the overall health of their kidneys.
Tuberous Sclerosis
Other cell growth-related disease, such as tuberous sclerosis, can also cause renal cell carcinoma. Tuberous sclerosis is a disease in which patients develop benign tumors, called tubers, in several tissues including the brain, lungs, eyes and kidneys. The disease is caused by mutations to two genes, called tuberin and hamartin. Under normal conditions, these genes protect the cell against cancer growth by allowing the cell to repair potentially cancerous mutations. When one of these become mutated, the cell can no longer repair itself, and begins to grow abnormally and form tumors. Mutations to these genes can also cause abnormal growth in kidney tubule cells, leading to renal cell carcinoma. Tuberous Sclerosis Canada indicates that patients with tuberous sclerosis have a 7 percent increase in their chance of developing renal cell carcinoma.
Inherited Mutations
In some cases, patients with a family history of renal cell carcinoma may have inherited mutations that promote kidney cancer development. This is especially true of a subtype of renal cell carcinoma called hereditary papillary renal cell carcinoma, or HPRCC. Patients with HPRCC often inherit mutations to a gene called c-met, according to Cancer.net, a website run by the American Society of Clinical Oncology. Under normal conditions, c-met senses the presence of growth-promoting signals for cells, and can induce cell proliferation. In HPRCC, inherited mutations to c-met lead to an over-activation of the gene, so the cells over-proliferate, leading to a tumor. Patients with a family history of renal cell carcinoma may consider genetic testing to assess their susceptibility for the disease.
