Kidney Cancer

Kidney cancer, also known as renal cancer, occurs when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in the kidneys.

The most common type is Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC), which begins in the lining of tiny tubes in the kidney. Other less common types include Transitional Cell Carcinoma and Wilms’ Tumor (mostly in children).

Kidney cancer is often detected early during routine imaging tests, which improves chances of successful treatment.

In the early stages, kidney cancer may not cause noticeable symptoms. As it progresses, signs may include:

• Blood in urine (hematuria)
• Persistent pain in the lower back or side (not caused by injury)
• A lump or mass in the side or back
• Unexplained weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Persistent fatigue and weakness
• Fever not caused by infection
• Swelling in ankles and legs
• High blood pressure (sometimes linked to kidney tumors)

Staging helps determine how far the cancer has spread:

• Stage I: Tumor is small (≤7 cm) and confined to the kidney.
• Stage II: Tumor is larger than 7 cm but still confined to the kidney.
• Stage III: Cancer spreads to nearby blood vessels, adrenal gland, or lymph nodes.
• Stage IV: Cancer has spread beyond the kidney to distant organs like lungs, bones, or liver.

Treatment options include surgery (partial or radical nephrectomy), targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and radiation therapy (for advanced stages).

The exact cause of kidney cancer is unclear, but several factors increase risk:

• Smoking: Increases risk significantly.
• Obesity: Excess body weight strains kidney function.
• High blood pressure: Linked to higher risk.
• Family history: Close relatives with kidney cancer.
• Genetic conditions: Such as Von Hippel-Lindau disease.
• Long-term dialysis treatment.
• Exposure to workplace chemicals (cadmium, asbestos, certain solvents).
• Gender: Men are more likely than women to develop kidney cancer.

Although not all cases are preventable, lifestyle changes can reduce risk:

• Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke.
• Maintain a healthy weight with a balanced diet and exercise.
• Control blood pressure through lifestyle changes and medications.
• Limit exposure to harmful workplace chemicals.
• Stay hydrated and reduce excessive use of painkillers that affect kidney health.
• Go for regular check-ups if you have a family history of kidney cancer.

Kidney cancer accounts for about 2–3% of all cancers worldwide.

• More than 430,000 new cases are diagnosed globally each year.
• In India, kidney cancer contributes to about 2% of all cancer cases, with higher incidence in urban men.
• It is more common in people aged 50–70 years.
• The 5-year survival rate is about 75% overall, and much higher when diagnosed early.