Kidney cancer is a serious condition that starts in the kidneys, which are two small, bean-shaped organs located in your lower back. These organs have a crucial role—they filter waste from your blood and produce urine. When cells in the kidney grow out of control, they can form a lump or tumor, which may lead to kidney cancer. The tricky part is that renal cancer often doesn’t show clear symptoms in its early stages. This makes it difficult to detect until it has progressed.
But why does kidney cancer happen? Well, the causes can be complex. Factors like smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, and certain genetic conditions can all increase your risk. Sometimes, people who have no obvious risk factors still develop the disease, which shows that cancer can be unpredictable. It’s also worth noting that kidney cancer is sometimes found by accident, during scans or tests for other health issues. This incidental discovery can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it’s good to catch it early; on the other hand, it can lead to overtreatment of small tumors that might not have caused problems.
Read More: Wilms Tumor- Definition, Symptoms, Treatment Options & More
Table of Contents
Kidney Cancer Symptoms
Kidney cancer, also known as renal cancer, begins in the kidneys, which are two bean-shaped organs located on either side of the spine, just below the ribcage. The kidneys play a vital role in filtering waste from the blood and producing urine. Below is a list of the common symptoms associated with kidney cancer.
1. Blood in the Urine (Hematuria)
One of the most common and noticeable symptoms of kidney cancer is blood in the urine, medically referred to as hematuria. The blood might make the urine appear pink, red, or cola-colored. In some cases, the blood is only detectable through a microscope. Although this symptom is often painless, you should never ignore it, as it could indicate renal cancer or other kidney-related issues.
2. Persistent Pain in the Lower Back or Side
Kidney cancer can cause dull or sharp pain on one side of the lower back or flank (the side of your body between the ribs and the hip). This pain is persistent and does not go away easily. Unlike typical back pain, which may result from muscle strain, renal cancer pain is often more localized and does not improve with rest.
3. Lump or Mass in the Abdomen
In some cases, a person may feel a lump or mass in the abdomen or side. This lump could be an indication that a tumor is growing in the kidney. While not all renal cancer patients will notice a lump, it is a significant symptom and should be checked by a healthcare provider.
4. Unexplained Weight Loss
Losing weight without trying is another symptom of kidney cancer. This weight loss is often rapid and unexplained, meaning it occurs without any changes in diet or physical activity. Cancer can cause the body to use up energy faster than normal, leading to weight loss.
5. Fatigue
Feeling unusually tired or weak is a common symptom of many types of cancer, including kidney cancer. This fatigue is often severe and doesn’t go away with rest. It can be due to the body’s increased need to fight off the cancer or due to anemia, a condition where the body does not have enough red blood cells, which is common in renal cancer patients.
6. Fever
Some individuals with kidney cancer may experience unexplained fevers that are not related to an infection or any other illness. These fevers can come and go and are often accompanied by night sweats.
7. Loss of Appetite
A reduced desire to eat, or a complete loss of appetite, can be another symptom of kidney cancer. This can lead to malnutrition and contribute to weight loss, further weakening the body.
8. High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
Kidneys help regulate blood pressure, so it’s not uncommon for individuals with kidney cancer to develop high blood pressure. The tumor, or cancer itself, can interfere with the kidneys’ ability to manage blood pressure effectively.
9. Swelling in the Ankles and Legs
Swelling in the lower legs, feet, or ankles can occur when the kidneys are not functioning properly due to cancer. This condition, known as edema, happens when fluid builds up in the tissues, and it can be a sign of advanced kidney cancer.
10. Anemia
Kidney cancer can sometimes cause anemia, a condition where there aren’t enough red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout the body. This can lead to symptoms like fatigue, paleness, and shortness of breath.
In summary, the symptoms of renal cancer can vary and might not be obvious in the early stages. However, awareness of these symptoms is crucial for early detection and successful treatment. If you notice any persistent or unusual changes in your body, it’s important to seek medical advice promptly.
Kidney Cancer Treatment
1. Surgical Treatment: Surgery is often the primary treatment for kidney cancer, especially when the cancer is localized within the kidney. The surgical procedure entails removing the tumor and some surrounding healthy tissue. In some cases, the entire kidney may need to be removed, a procedure known as a nephrectomy.
2. Minimally Invasive Surgery: This includes laparoscopic or robotic-assisted surgery, which are less invasive than traditional open surgery and typically result in quicker recovery times and less pain post-operation.
3. Targeted Therapy: These treatments involve drugs that specifically target cancer cells without affecting normal cells. Targeted therapy drugs work by blocking specific pathways that cancer cells use to survive and grow.
4. Immunotherapy: This treatment boosts the body’s natural defenses to fight cancer. It utilizes substances made by the body or in a laboratory to improve or restore immune system function.
5. Radiation Therapy: High-energy rays are used to target and shrink tumors. This therapy is sometimes used for kidney cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.
6. Chemotherapy: This treatment uses drugs to kill cancer cells or slow their growth. Chemotherapy is not commonly used for renal cancer, but it may be recommended in certain cases.
Costs of Kidney Cancer Treatments in India
The cost of kidney cancer treatment in India can vary widely based on several factors, including the type of treatment, the hospital’s reputation, the expertise of the medical team, and the location of the hospital. Here is a general breakdown of the costs:
1. Surgical Treatment: The cost of surgical treatment can start at approximately INR 2,50,000 and can go higher depending on the complexity of the surgery and the hospital chosen.
2. Minimally Invasive Surgery: The costs of minimally invasive procedures can be slightly higher than those of traditional surgery due to the specialized equipment and expertise required.
3. Targeted Therapy: The monthly cost of targeted therapy can range from INR 80,000 to 1.5 lakhs, depending on the drugs used.
4. Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy costs can vary greatly, often depending on the duration and type of treatment prescribed.
5. Radiation Therapy: The cost of radiation therapy in India can start from around INR 1,50,000 but may increase based on the number of sessions required.
6. Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy costs depend on the drugs used and the number of cycles required. It can start from INR 1 lakh per cycle.
Kidney Cancer Causes
While the exact cause is not always clear, certain factors can increase the risk of developing renal cancer. Here are some common causes and risk factors:
1. Smoking: Smoking tobacco can increase the risk of kidney cancer. The harmful chemicals in cigarettes can damage kidney cells, leading to cancer.
2. Obesity: Being very overweight can change certain hormones in the body, which might lead to renal cancer.
3. High Blood Pressure: Long-term high blood pressure can damage the kidneys and increase the risk of cancer.
4. Family History: If close family members have had kidney cancer, the risk may be higher due to shared genetic factors.
5. Exposure to Certain Chemicals: Working with chemicals like asbestos, cadmium, or some herbicides can increase the risk of renal cancer.
6. Chronic Kidney Disease: People with severe kidney problems, especially those on dialysis, have a higher risk of developing renal cancer.
7. Age: The risk of kidney cancer increases as you get older, especially after age 50.
8. Gender: Men are more likely to develop renal cancer than women.
Kidney Cancer Survival Rate
The survival rates for kidney cancer vary based on the stage of the cancer at diagnosis:
– Localized (cancer is confined to the kidney): The 5-year relative survival rate is about 93%.
– Regional (cancer has spread to nearby structures or lymph nodes): The 5-year relative survival rate is about 74%.
– Distant (cancer has spread to distant parts of the body): The 5-year relative survival rate is about 17%.
– All stages combined: The 5-year relative survival rate is about 78%.
Kidney Cancer Stages
The staging of kidney cancer is a critical aspect that helps doctors determine the extent of the disease and the best course of treatment. Here, we will explain the stages of renal cancer in simple terms.
Stage I (1)
In stage I, the tumor is 7 centimeters wide or smaller and is confined to the kidney. It has not expanded to lymph nodes or distant organs. This stage indicates an early, localized cancer that is often treated successfully.
Stage II (2)
Stage II kidney cancer is larger than 7 centimeters, but it still remains in the kidney. Similar to stage I, it has not spread to lymph nodes or other organs. The size of the tumor is larger, which may require more extensive treatment, but the cancer is still localized to the kidney.
Stage III (3)
This stage is more complex. The cancer in stage III may have spread to nearby lymph nodes but not to distant parts of the body. Alternatively, the tumor may have grown into major veins or perinephric tissues but not into the top layer of the surrounding fatty tissue or beyond the Gerota’s fascia (the fibrous layer enclosing the kidney).
Stage IV (4)
Stage IV is the most advanced stage of kidney cancer. In this stage, the cancer has spread beyond the kidney to other parts of the body, such as distant lymph nodes, the lungs, bones, or liver. Treatment for stage IV cancer is more challenging and focuses on managing symptoms and prolonging life.
The TNM System
Doctors often use the TNM system to describe the stage in more detail:
– T (Tumor): Indicates the size and extent of the main tumor.
– N (Node): Indicates whether the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes.
– M (Metastasis): Indicates whether the cancer has spread to other body parts.
Each category is assessed and assigned a number or letter that provides more detail about the cancer. For example, T1 means the tumor is small and confined to the kidney, while T4 indicates a tumor that has spread to surrounding tissues.
What Is Kidney Cancer?
Kidney cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the cells of the kidneys, which are two bean-shaped organs located on either side of your spine, just below your ribcage. The kidneys’ primary function is to filter waste and extra fluids from your blood in order to make urine. When cells in the kidney begin to grow uncontrollably, they can form a tumor, which can be cancerous.
Types Of Kidney Cancer
1. Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC):
– This is the most common type of kidney cancer, making up about 85% of cases. It starts in the tiny tubes (called renal tubules) within the kidneys that help filter blood and produce urine.
2. Urothelial Carcinoma (Transitional Cell Carcinoma):
– This type begins in the area of the kidney where urine collects before moving to the bladder. It’s similar to bladder cancer and accounts for about 5-10 % of kidney cancer cases.
3. Wilms Tumor:
– This is a rare type of kidney cancer that mostly affects children. Wilms tumor is the most common form of renal cancer in kids and usually occurs between the ages of 3 and 4.
4. Sarcoma:
– A very rare type of kidney cancer, sarcoma starts in the soft tissue of the kidney, such as the blood vessels or connective tissues.
5. Lymphoma:
– Though rare, kidney lymphoma occurs when lymphoma, a type of blood cancer, primarily affects the kidneys.
Each type of renal cancer can behave differently and may require different treatments.
Conclusion
Kidney cancer is a serious illness, but understanding its symptoms, causes, and treatment options can help in early detection and effective management. With advancements in medical treatments, many patients can successfully fight this disease. However, the cost of treatment in India can be very high, which can be a burden for many families.
This is where crowdfunding platforms can make a big difference. By reaching out to a large community, patients can raise funds to cover the costs of surgery, medication, and ongoing care. These fundraising platform provide a way for friends, family, and even strangers to contribute and support someone in need, ensuring that financial constraints don’t stand in the way of getting the best possible treatment.
