Overview

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common type of kidney cancer in adults. It originates in the cells of the renal tubules, which are responsible for filtering waste from the blood and producing urine. RCC often develops as a single tumour within the kidney and can spread to nearby organs or distant sites in the body. Common symptoms include blood in the urine, flank pain, a palpable mass, and weight loss. Treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and occasionally chemotherapy. Early detection and intervention can improve the prognosis for individuals with RCC.

Causes of Renal Cell Carcinoma

Mentioned below are some of the Renal Cell Carcinoma causes that trigger the cancerous cells and may ruin the condition if not treated on time:

- Smoking- Smoking is always related to the maximum forms of cancer. The unhealthy habit leads to infection and inflammation in the body's internal system. It damages the small filters of the kidneys responsible for the filtration of toxins and waste from the blood. The unhealthy habit may also lead to atherosclerosis and blockage of blood vessels. A chain smoker is more prone to getting affected by one of the common forms of kidney cancer.
- Obesity- Obesity is considered a risk factor for renal cell carcinoma (RCC), the most common type of kidney cancer. The exact mechanism is unclear, but it is believed that obesity may contribute to RCC development through chronic inflammation, hormonal changes, and alterations in insulin signalling pathways.
- Painkillers- Painkillers such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen are some of the medicines that can damage small kidney filters in multiple forms. The kidneys cannot perform the function of blood filtration and let the toxins and waste accumulate in the body. Therefore, patients suffering from kidney disease should only consume painkillers with a doctor's advice.
- Chemical Dyes- Exposure to chemical dyes is also one of the causes of kidney disorders. Chemicals such as trichloroethylene, benzene, benzidine, cadmium, and herbicides can lead to kidney disorders. People in professions requiring exposure to such chemicals are more prone to kidney ailments.
- Occupational Exposure- Prolonged exposure to certain substances in the workplace, such as asbestos, cadmium, and organic solvents, has been associated with an elevated risk of RCC.
- Cystic Kidney Disease is a medical scenario in which liquid-filled cysts are formed inside the kidney. It might be the major cause of improper functioning of the kidney. It is also one of the causes of Renal Cell Carcinoma. The affected kidneys cannot exhale toxins and waste from the blood, leading to different types of kidney and health disorders.

Risk Factors for Renal Cell Carcinoma

Mentioned below are some of the Renal Cell Carcinoma risk factors that make an individual more prone to getting affected by kidney disease:

- Obesity
- High Blood Pressure
- High Cholesterol
- Previous Kidney Disorders
- Smoking

Symptoms of Renal Cell Carcinoma

Mentioned below are some of the Renal Cell Carcinoma symptoms that help to identify the disease in the initial stages before the situation worsens:

- Blood in Urine- Hematuria, or blood in the urine, can be a symptom of renal cell carcinoma (kidney cancer). RCC tumours can cause bleeding, leading to hematuria. However, hematuria can have other causes too, so a thorough medical evaluation is necessary to determine the underlying cause.
- Lumps in the Abdomen- Kidney cancer can also metastasise to stomach, lung, or liver cancer. The situation can be identified by lumps in the abdomen. In case of such issues, one should get professional medical help to avoid worsening the situation and spreading cancerous cells to the whole body.
- Loss of Appetite- Loss of appetite is also one of the common causes of kidney cancer. The affected individual may feel full without having meals. The affected patient might lose weight suddenly. The condition can also accompany weakness and fever if not treated on time.
- Flank Pain- Persistent pain or discomfort in the side or back, typically below the ribs, on one side of the body.
- Anaemia- Anaemia is also one of the reasons for kidney ailment. The affected patient may feel weak and tired during the major parts of the day. The individual does not feel the urge to have proper meals leading to drastic weight loss.
- Fever and Night Sweats- Some individuals may experience fever, primarily if cancer has spread.

Treatment Options for Renal Cell Carcinoma

Mentioned below are some of the Renal Cell Carcinoma treatment options that help to lower the symptoms of the disease:

- Surgery- Different types of surgeries, depending upon the patient's health condition, are one of the treatment options for kidney disease. Surgeries, such as partial nephrectomy, simple nephrectomy, and radical nephrectomy, can be suggested by a doctor to eliminate the cancerous symptoms and allow the affected individual's kidney to function properly.
- Therapies- Targeted therapy, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy are some therapies that can help lower the spread of cancerous cells in the affected individual's body suffering from kidney cancer. These therapies are also useful to treat other forms of cancer, as the main aim of the therapy is to kill cancerous cells to avoid their rapid spread.
- Ablation Techniques- Minimally invasive procedures such as radiofrequency ablation (RFA) or cryoablation may destroy small tumours by heating or freezing them, respectively.

When to consult a Doctor

You can also get in touch with the expert Nephrology doctors at Narayana Healthcare based in your city to get immediate attention and medical support during injuries, health disorders or any other health concern.

Conclusion

Renal Cell Carcinoma is a form of kidney cancer in which cancerous cells are found in the kidneys' small tubes. The filtration process of the blood ceases leading to other kidney disorders. However, the medical condition can be lowered with the help of proper medications and timely treatments.

FAQ

Q. What is Renal Cell Carcinoma? A. Renal Cell Carcinoma is a kidney disorder in which cancerous cells damage the small filtration tubes of the kidney, leading to multiple kidney disorders.

Q. What are the risk factors of Renal Cell Carcinoma? A. Smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, and underlying kidney ailments are some risk factors for Renal Cell Carcinoma.

Reference Links

- https://www.narayanahealth.org/blog/kidney-cancer-causes-symptoms-and-treatment-options/
- https://www.cancer.gov/types/kidney/patient/kidney-treatment-pdq
- https://www.webmd.com/cancer/renal-cell-carcinoma