What are the symptoms of kidney cancer?

Kidney cancer is a serious condition in which malignant cells grow in the kidney tissue. The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs located on either side of the spine, just below the ribs. They are essential for filtering waste products from the blood and producing urine.

Also read: How often should you urinate per day?

What is kidney cancer?

Kidney cancer occurs when cells in a kidney multiply uncontrollably and form a malignant tumor. The most common type of kidney cancer in adults is renal cell carcinoma (RCC). There are several types of RCC, including clear cell, papillary, and chromophobe. Less common types of kidney cancer include transitional cell carcinoma and renal sarcoma.

Also read: What does your urine say about your health?

Symptoms of kidney cancer

Symptoms of kidney cancer can be subtle and often go unnoticed in the early stages. The most common symptoms include:

1. Blood in the urine (hematuria): This is often the first sign and may be intermittent.
2. Pain in the side or lower back: This may be dull and persistent.
3. A palpable mass in the abdomen: This is usually a later symptom.
4. Unexplained weight loss
5. Fatigue
6. Fever not caused by an infection
7. High blood pressure: Sometimes caused by hormonal changes caused by the tumor.

Also read: Should you be concerned about blood in urine (hematuria)?

Diagnosis of kidney cancer

The diagnosis of kidney cancer involves several tests to determine the presence and size of the tumor:

• Urine test: To check for blood or abnormal cells.
• Blood tests: To evaluate kidney function and general health.
• Ultrasound: A first imaging technique to detect abnormalities in the kidneys.
• CT scan and MRI: Detailed images to assess the size, location and spread of the tumor.
• Biopsy: In some cases, a tissue sample is taken to examine the cancer cells microscopically (1).

Kidney cancer treatment

Treatment strategies for kidney cancer depend on the stage of the disease and the patient’s overall health. Common treatments include:

Also read: Nephrotic syndrome: swollen feet and ankles due to too much protein in the urine

Prognosis and survival rate for kidney cancer

The prognosis of kidney cancer varies greatly depending on the stage at diagnosis and the patient’s overall health. Early detection significantly improves survival.

• If kidney cancer is detected early, when the tumor is still confined to the kidney, the five-year survival rate is high, between 80 and 95 percent.
• If the cancer has spread to surrounding tissues or lymph nodes, but has not yet spread further, the five-year survival rate decreases but remains reasonably high. However, precise figures for this group are less clearly documented.
• For kidney cancer with metastases to other parts of the body, survival rates are significantly lower. In Belgium, the average five-year survival rate for these patients is about 30 percent. However, recent treatments have improved life expectancy, even though a cure is often not yet possible.

On average, 57 out of 100 people with kidney cancer are still alive 10 years after diagnosis. This percentage takes into account all stages and types of kidney cancer together, meaning it includes both early and advanced cases.

Kidney cancer in children

Kidney cancer in children is rare, but when it does occur, Wilms’ tumor (also known as nephroblastoma) is the most common type. This malignant tumor primarily affects young children under the age of five. Symptoms of a kidney tumor in children may include a palpable mass in the abdomen, blood in the urine, abdominal pain, fever, and fatigue. Kidney tumors in children are often diagnosed using imaging techniques such as MRI to determine the specific type and size of the tumor. Treatment usually involves a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and sometimes radiation therapy, depending on the stage and type of tumor.

Sources:
https://www.umcutrecht.nl
https://www.mmc.nl
https://www.allesoverkanker.be
https://www.uzgent.be