Renal cell carcinoma is a type of cancer that affects the small tubes in the kidneys. This is the most common type of renal cancer that affects adults and usually affects men between the ages of 50 and 70. Understanding renal cell carcinoma can help you to recognize its signs and symptoms and seek an early diagnosis of the disease.
Risk Factors
While the exact cause of renal cell carcinoma is not known, there are several known risk factors for the disease. Smoking increases the risk of developing this type of cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, obesity is a risk factor in 2 out of 10 people who get renal cell carcinoma. Industrial exposure to organic solvents, benzene, asbestos, herbicides and cadmium can also contribute to the development of this disease. People with hereditary diseases such as von Hippel-Lindau disease, hereditary leioymyomatosis and Birt-Hogg-Dube syndrome are prone to developing renal cell carcinoma.
Signs and Symptoms
The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals indicates that renal cell carcinoma usually does not cause signs or symptoms until it is in its later stages. The most common signs and symptoms of this condition are flank pain, gross or microscopic hematuria (blood in the urine), fevers of unknown origin and palpable masses. Several complications can also occur with renal cell carcinoma. High blood pressure can occur as the result of segmental ischemia or pedicle compression. Patients with this disease can also develop wasting syndrome, which results in a loss of body mass.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of renal cell carcinoma can be done with several imaging studies and laboratory tests. CT scans and MRI scans, which take cross-sectional images, can be used to identify kidney tumors. An intravenous pyelogram (IVP) is a test that uses radioactive contrast to provide detailed images of the kidneys and urinary tract. This test can help doctors identify tumors or other kidney problems. Urinalysis can be used to determine if there is blood in the urine, which is a sign of renal cell carcinoma. Since renal cell carcinoma causes excess production of red blood cells, a complete blood count can alert medical professionals to elevated red blood cell counts. Blood chemistry tests can be used to determine if advanced renal cell cancer has impacted liver functioning or calcium levels. Biopsy is rarely done to detect renal cell carcinoma, but it can be used as a diagnostic tool in people who are too weak to have surgery. Fine needle aspiration or core needle biopsy can be used for this purpose.
Treatment
Treatment for renal cell carcinoma depends on the stage of the cancer. Stages I and II can be treated with radiation therapy, arterial embolization, clinical trials of drugs or simple, partial or radical nephrectomy. Arterial embolization is the blockage of blood flow to the tumor so that the tumor shrinks. Stage III renal cell carcinoma can be treated with radical nephrectomy, in which some kidney blood vessels and lymph nodes may also be removed. Biologic therapy, which is treatment to restore the immune system, and radiation therapy may also be used. Stage IV renal cell carcinoma is treated with targeted drug therapy, arterial embolization, radiation therapy, nephrectomy or clinical trials of chemotherapy.
Risks and Complications
Several risks and complications are associated with renal cell carcinoma. High calcium (hypercalcemia) can lead to kidney failure, osteoporosis, kidney stones, abnormal heart rhythm and nervous system dysfunction if it is not treated. Renal cell carcinoma can spread and invade the lymph nodes, chest and other body tissues. It can also cause liver function abnormalities, which can cause elevated liver enzymes.
