Everything About Kidney Cancer? Symptoms, Causes, Prevention and Treatment

Cancer makes us freak out almost every time we hear the word. It can strike us anywhere in the body. Cells that harbor cancer grows rapidly, resulting in damage to adjoining organs. As a result of unhealthy lifestyles, environmental changes, and other factors, the number of cancer patients has increased year by year.

Kidney cancer: What is It?

Kidney Cancer is one type of cancer that has been detected in a large number of people in recent years. It begins when cancer cells develop in the kidney. Kidney cancer can be treated if it is found in its early stages, but it can be fatal if it is detected later. In the kidney, Renal Cell Cancer is the most common type of cancer. Usually, it begins with single or multiple tumors in one or both kidneys. The type of tumor determines which treatment is appropriate.

Why do Kidney Cancers Occur?

You can develop cancerous cells in your kidneys due to many factors. It is possible that the reason for this is linked to the changes that occur in our DNA as we grow older. Consequently, cancer growth in the body occurs when the genes that help cancerous cells grow are activated, and the genes that suppress tumor growth are turned off. Hereditary factors may also contribute to kidney cancer. You may be susceptible to the same type of cancer if a member of your family has experienced it.

We can also develop kidney cancer from unhealthy eating habits and lifestyles. Our bodies are more susceptible to serious illnesses if we are obese because it disrupts our hormones.

What Are Symptoms of Kidney Cancer:

Symptoms do not usually appear in the early stages of the disease. Abdominal (belly) imaging tests are most often used to diagnose other complaints when kidney cancer is found by accident. These symptoms may occur as kidney cancer grows:

• Bleeding into the urine
• Low back pain
• An uncomfortable lump in your lower back or side of your waist
• Unexpected weight loss, sweating, fever, or fatigue

Can Kidney Cancer Be Prevented?

Unfortunately, no. Unfortunately, the cause of many cases of kidney cancer cannot be identified. We can't prevent it, even when we find the cause. Despite this, we can make some positive changes in order to stay healthy. We can make positive changes in our life if we maintain a healthy weight, exercise, eat a balanced diet, quit smoking, and refrain from drinking.

What are the Risks of the Kidney Cancer:

The risk factor of smoking can be altered (e.g., you can quit); but others cannot be altered (e.g., your gender or family history). There is no way to predict if you will get kidney cancer just because you have a risk factor or a combination of risk factors. You are at risk of kidney cancer if you have:

• A smoking habit
• Obesity
• And high blood pressure
• Men develop kidney cancer twice as often as women
• People in their families who have kidney cancer
• Use of phenacetin as a pain reliever for a long period of time
• Occupational exposure to asbestos or cadmium for a long period of time

By avoiding those risk factors that can be controlled, you may lower your risk of developing kidney cancer. In addition, reducing body weight and high blood pressure may help, and cessation of smoking may also lower the risk.

Testing and Treatment For Kidney Cancer:

Physical examinations cannot detect kidney cancer. MRI or CT scans are necessary for people who have a doubt that they have kidney cancer. If a cancerous tumor only affects a single kidney, removing the kidney may prevent cancer from spreading. Doctors advise the treatment at a later stage depending on the condition of the patient.

Diagnosis for Kidney Cancer:

Tests for Kidney Cancer -

You will be diagnosed with kidney cancer after your doctor reviews your medical history, performs a physical exam, as well as has blood and urine tests done.

Imaging Tests for Kidney Cancer:

With a computerized tomography scan (CT), you can get a complete view of your abdomen and kidneys. Depending on whether you want a contrast dye, you can do the scan with or without one. The radiation used is low. Frequently, CT scans show if a tumor has spread beyond the kidney or if it is cancerous. In an MRI scan, the kidneys and abdomen are completely visualized, but radiation is not used. People on dialysis and with very low kidney function should avoid getting this test if they are on gadolinium or if they are on dialysis.

With ultrasonic technology, a detailed image of the kidneys and abdomen can be obtained without radiation. A cyst may be mistaken for a solid tumor in the kidney if there is fluid filling the cyst. There is no contrast dye used during this test. Biopsies are occasionally recommended but are rarely performed. In order to perform a biopsy, a needle is used to remove a tiny piece of the kidney, which is then tested for cancerous cells.