Kidney Cancer

Kidney Cancer

Kidney cancer, also known as renal carcinoma, comprises nearly three percent of adult cancer cases, primarily affecting individuals aged 50 to 70 years old.

Several risk factors contribute to the development of kidney cancer, including smoking, obesity (especially in females), exposure to asbestos and leather industries, dialysis for cystic disease, and end-stage renal disease. Additionally, genetic predisposition, as evidenced by von Hippel-Lindau syndrome, is present in approximately one-third of kidney cancer patients.

While renal carcinoma may often be asymptomatic, approximately 20 percent of patients may experience symptoms such as bloody urine, abdominal pain, and flank mass, indicating advanced disease. Metastasis occurs in about 30 percent of patients at diagnosis, most commonly spreading to the liver, lungs, and bones. General symptoms include prolonged fever, weight loss, and anemia.

Staging of the disease is classified into four stages:

- Stage 1: Tumor confined within the kidney
- Stage 2: Tumor invades the renal capsule
- Stage 3: Tumor spreads to regional lymph nodes, renal vein, and Vena Cava
- Stage 4: Tumor spreads to adjacent organs or distant sites

Diagnostic investigations include laboratory tests and radiological imaging. Ultrasound serves as a valuable non-invasive tool for diagnosis and staging.

Treatment primarily involves surgery in the early stages, with radical nephrectomy (complete kidney removal) as the standard procedure. Radiotherapy is utilized when the tumor invades nearby structures or when surgery is not feasible. It also serves as palliative treatment for distant metastases, such as those in bones and lungs. Chemotherapy has limited effectiveness in renal carcinoma, with recent biological therapies showing promise in treating metastatic disease.

Prognosis depends on the stage and cellular type of the disease. Clear cell variant demonstrates a more favorable prognosis compared to granular cell and spindle variants. Early detection significantly improves survival rates. Screening is recommended for high-risk individuals and those presenting with suspicious symptoms.