Kidney cancers, also known as renal cell carcinomas (RCC), are a group of malignant tumors that develop in the kidneys. The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs located towards the back of the abdomen, responsible for filtering waste products and excess fluid from the blood, producing urine, and regulating body fluids.
Kidney cancers typically originate in the cells lining the small tubes within the kidney known as renal tubules. There are several types of kidney cancer, with the most common being clear cell renal cell carcinoma, which accounts for about 70-80% of all cases. Other types include papillary renal cell carcinoma, chromophobe renal cell carcinoma, and rare subtypes such as collecting duct carcinoma and renal medullary carcinoma.
Symptoms of kidney cancer may include blood in the urine (hematuria), persistent pain in the back or side, fatigue, unexplained weight loss, fever, and swelling in the legs and ankles. However, in some cases, kidney cancers may not cause any symptoms and are incidentally found during medical exams or imaging studies performed for other reasons.
Treatment options for kidney cancers depend on various factors such as the stage, size, and location of the tumor, as well as the patient's overall health and preferences. They may include surgery to remove the tumor, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, or in some cases, active surveillance for small tumors that are not growing rapidly.
As with any form of cancer, early detection, appropriate treatment, and regular monitoring are crucial for improving outcomes and increasing the chances of survival.
