Kidney Cancer

In adults, the most common form of kidney cancer is renal cell carcinoma.
Other, less common types of kidney cancer can also occur. Children, for example, are more likely to develop a specific type of kidney cancer known as Wilms tumor.

The diagnosis of kidney cancer appears to be increasing overall. One likely reason is the more frequent use of imaging techniques such as computed tomography (CT). Thanks to these types of tests, kidney cancer is now more often detected at an early stage—even during routine examinations.

Symptoms

A renal cell carcinoma (kidney cancer) rarely causes signs or symptoms in its early stages. In advanced stages, the following symptoms may occur:

• Blood in the urine, which may appear pink, red, or cola-colored

• Persistent back pain below the rib area

• Weight loss

• Fatigue

• Intermittent fever (fever that comes and goes)

When to See a Doctor?

If you notice any signs or symptoms that concern you, please schedule an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible.

Causes

The exact causes of renal cell carcinoma are unclear.
Doctors do know that kidney cancer develops when certain kidney cells acquire mutations in their DNA.

These mutations cause the cells to grow uncontrollably and divide more rapidly. The accumulating abnormal cells eventually form a tumor, which may extend beyond the kidney. Some of these cells may also break away and spread to other parts of the body (metastasize).

Risk Factors

The following factors may increase the risk of developing kidney cancer:

• Older age
  The risk of kidney cancer increases with age.

• Smoking
  Smokers are at a significantly higher risk of developing kidney cancer compared to non-smokers. The risk decreases after quitting smoking.

• Overweight
  People who are overweight have a higher risk of kidney cancer than those with a normal weight.

• High blood pressure (hypertension)
  High blood pressure is associated with an increased risk of kidney cancer.

• Kidney failure treatments
  Long-term dialysis treatment due to kidney failure is a known risk factor.

• Genetic factors
  In some cases, rare inherited conditions such as Von Hippel-Lindau disease, Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome, tuberous sclerosis, and a family history of papillary renal cell carcinoma can increase the risk of developing kidney cancer.