kidney cancer

What is Kidney Cancer?

Kidney cancer, also known as renal cancer, is a type of cancer that starts in the kidneys. The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs located behind the abdominal organs, with one kidney on each side of the spine. They play a crucial role in filtering waste out of the blood and making urine.

Types of Kidney Cancer

There are several types of kidney cancer, but the most common type is renal cell carcinoma (RCC), which accounts for about 9 out of 10 cases [3][5]. RCC can occur in one or both kidneys and may be large by the time it's diagnosed. Other less common types of kidney cancer include transitional cell cancer and Wilms tumor (nephroblastoma) in children.

Causes and Symptoms

Kidney cancer develops when abnormal cells in either of the kidneys start to divide and grow in an uncontrolled way [9]. In its early stages, kidney cancer may not produce any noticeable symptoms. However, as the tumor grows, symptoms may begin to appear, such as:

• A lump or mass in the side or back
• Pain in the side or back that doesn't go away
• Weight loss and fatigue
• Blood in the urine

Stages of Kidney Cancer

The stages of kidney cancer range from 1 to 4. A stage 1 kidney cancer is small and confined to the kidney, while a stage 4 kidney cancer has grown beyond the kidney or spread to other parts of the body [14]. St

Common Signs and Symptoms of Kidney Cancer

Kidney cancer, also known as renal cancer, can be a silent disease in its early stages, but there are several signs and symptoms that may indicate the presence of this condition. Here are some common ones:

• Blood in the urine: This is one of the most common signs of kidney cancer, where the blood may appear pink, red, or cola-colored [1][2][3].
• Pain in the back and side of the abdomen: People with kidney cancer may experience pain in this area, which can be a constant ache or a sharp pain that comes and goes [4][5][6].
• Loss of appetite: Some individuals may notice a decrease in their appetite as the disease progresses [1].
• High blood pressure: Kidney cancer can cause high blood pressure due to the tumor's impact on kidney function [3].

Other Possible Symptoms

In addition to these common signs and symptoms, kidney cancer can also manifest in other ways, such as:

• Flank pain: Pain in the side between the ribs and the hip (flank) is another possible symptom of kidney cancer [8][9].
• Lump or mass in the kidney area: A palpable lump or mass may be felt in the kidney area on either side of the body [8][10].
• Frequent urination: Some people with kidney cancer may experience frequent urination or a sudden urge to pee, especially at night [7].

Important Note

It's essential to note that these signs and symptoms can also be caused by other, benign diseases. Therefore, if you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and diagnosis.

References:

[1] Context result 1 [2] Context result 3 [3] Context result 4 [4] Context result 6 [5] Context result 8 [6] Context result 9 [7] Context result 14 [8] Context result 8 [9] Context result 9 [10] Context result 13

Diagnostic Tests for Kidney Cancer

Kidney cancer diagnosis often begins with a physical exam and a discussion of your health history. Various tests may be used to confirm the presence of kidney cancer, including:

• Blood and urine tests: These tests can show signs in the blood that are linked with kidney cancer, such as abnormal levels of creatinine or other chemistry markers [4][8].
• Imaging tests: CT and MRI scans are usually the only tests doctors need to diagnose kidney cancer. These tests help your doctor to see inside your kidneys and look for cancer [5][13]. Ultrasound scan may also be used to show up any abnormal areas of the abdomen [3].
• Complete blood count (CBC) and blood chemistry test: These tests can show signs in the blood that are linked with kidney cancer, such as abnormal levels of creatinine or other chemistry markers [4][8].
• Urine test (urinalysis): This test can detect blood in the urine, which may be a sign of kidney cancer [7].

In some cases, doctors may perform a percutaneous biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. However, this is not always necessary and may be avoided by repeating imaging tests that were done elsewhere [13].

Staging Tests

After a cancer diagnosis, staging provides important information about the extent of cancer in the body and anticipated response to treatment. Staging tests for kidney cancer may include additional CT and MRI scans.

The stages of kidney cancer range from 1 to 4, with stage 1 being small and confined to the kidney [2]. A complete blood count (CBC), blood comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), and other chemistry tests can show signs in the blood that are linked with kidney cancer [4].

References

[1] Kidney cancer diagnosis often begins with a physical exam and a discussion of your health history. [2] The stages of kidney cancer range from 1 to 4, with stage 1 being small and confined to the kidney. [3] Ultrasound scan may also be used to show up any abnormal areas of the abdomen. [4] Blood and urine tests can show signs in the blood that are linked with kidney cancer. [5] CT and MRI scans are usually the only tests doctors need to diagnose kidney cancer. [7] Urine test (urinalysis) can detect blood in the urine, which may be a sign of kidney cancer. [8] Complete blood count (CBC) and blood chemistry test can show signs in the blood that are linked with kidney cancer. [13] Imaging tests help us see inside your kidneys to look for cancer.

Treatment Options for Kidney Cancer

Kidney cancer treatment often involves a combination of therapies, including targeted drugs, immunotherapy, and chemotherapy. The choice of treatment depends on the stage and extent of the cancer, as well as the patient's overall health.

• Targeted Drugs: These medications specifically target the genetic mutations that cause kidney cancer. Examples include:
  • Temsirolimus (Torisel) [7]
  • Everolimus (Afinitor) [7] These drugs work by inhibiting the mTOR pathway, which is often overactive in kidney cancer cells.
• Immunotherapy: This approach uses medications to stimulate the immune system to attack and destroy cancer cells. Examples include:
  • Pembrolizumab (Keytruda) [4] - a checkpoint inhibitor that has shown significant promise in treating clear-cell renal cell carcinoma, the most common form of kidney cancer.
  • Nivolumab (Opdivo) with ipilimumab (Yervoy) [6] - a combination therapy that has been used as first-line treatment for some patients.
• Chemotherapy: This type of treatment uses medications to kill rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells. However, chemotherapy is not typically the primary treatment for kidney cancer.

Treatment Goals

The goals of drug treatment for kidney cancer are to:

1. Shrink tumors and slow their growth [3]
2. Reduce the risk of cancer recurrence [12]
3. Improve overall survival rates [14]

Recent Developments

In recent years, there have been significant advances in the treatment of kidney cancer. For example:

• The approval of belzutifan, a HIF-2α inhibitor, for the treatment of advanced kidney cancer [9]
• The use of immunotherapy and targeted therapy medications as part of combination regimens to treat stage IV kidney cancer [11]

It's essential to note that each patient's situation is unique, and the most effective treatment plan will depend on individual factors. Consultation with a healthcare professional is necessary to determine the best course of action.

References:

[1] - This page lists cancer drugs approved by the FDA for kidney cancer. [3] - Treatment for advanced kidney cancer may involve a combination of immunotherapy and targeted therapy medications. [4] - The immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab (Keytruda) has rapidly become one of the most widely used cancer treatments. [6] - Nivolumab (Opdivo) with ipilimumab (Yervoy) is a combination therapy that has been used as first-line treatment for some patients. [7] - Examples of targeted drugs include temsirolimus (Torisel) and everolimus (Afinitor). [9] - Belzutifan, a HIF-2α inhibitor, was approved for the treatment of advanced kidney cancer. [11] - Treatment of stage IV kidney cancer depends mainly on how extensive the cancer is and on a person’s general health. [12] - Surgery might not be possible if the cancer has spread beyond the kidney. [14] - Kidney cancer is one of the top 10 cancers diagnosed in both men and women.

The differential diagnosis of kidney cancer, also known as renal cell carcinoma (RCC), involves identifying other possible causes of symptoms and conditions that may mimic RCC.

Common Differential Diagnoses

• Wilm's Tumor: A type of kidney cancer that occurs in children, but can also occur in adults.
• Rhabdoid Kidney Disease: A rare genetic disorder that affects the kidneys and brain.
• Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD): A genetic disorder characterized by multiple cysts on the kidneys.
• Pheochromocytoma: A rare tumor of the adrenal gland that can cause high blood pressure.
• Dysplastic Kidney: A condition where the kidney tissue is abnormal and may lead to cancer.
• Hydronephrosis: A condition where the kidney becomes swollen due to a blockage in the urinary tract.
• Nephroma: A type of kidney tumor that can be benign or malignant.

Other Possible Causes

• Renal Abscess: An infection of the kidney that can cause symptoms similar to RCC.
• Renal Infarct: A condition where the blood supply to the kidney is cut off, causing damage to the tissue.
• Renal Capsule Sarcoma: A rare type of cancer that affects the outer layer of the kidney.
• Primary Renal Lymphoma: A type of lymphoma (cancer) that originates in the kidneys.

Key Points

• The differential diagnosis of RCC is broad and includes various conditions that may mimic RCC.
• Accurate diagnosis requires a thorough evaluation, including imaging studies and biopsy.
• Early detection and treatment are crucial for improving outcomes in patients with RCC.

References:

[3] - Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) accounts for ∼90% of all renal cancers.1-3 [4] - The differentials include Wilm's tumor, rhabdoid kidney disease, polycystic kidney disease, pheochromocytoma, dysplastic kidney, hydronephrosis, nephroma, ... [13] - Differential diagnosis. The broad differential is essentially that of all renal masses, particularly other renal tumors, and most commonly includes: renal tumors. [14] - Chromophobe RCCs have diffuse positivity for cytokeratin 7 (CK7), whereas oncocytomas are negative ...