Cells, the smallest unit capable of self-sustaining life, make up all living organisms and body tissues. Cells have the ability to develop, divide and die. However, some cells cannot stop their division process due to a defect in the guanine protein in DNA and continue to divide uncontrollably. A tumor occurs in a cell, grows in parallel with the growth of the cell, and continues to accumulate after it reaches maturity. Kidney cancer is detected when healthy cells in one or both kidneys grow out of control and form a tumor.

What is Kidney Cancer?

A type of cancer that begins in the kidneys and spreads throughout the body is kidney cancer. The multiplication of cancer cells in the kidneys causes this organ to become cancerous.

What Are the Symptoms of Kidney Cancer?

Kidney cancer, which usually does not show symptoms in the early stages, can be detected on CT scans. The following signs of kidney cancer may develop over time:

  • The appearance of pink, red, or darker red blood in the urine
  • Loss of appetite
  • Fever, weakness, fatigue
  • Refractory pain in the back or sides of the body
  • Unexplained weight loss

How is Kidney Cancer Diagnosed?

Kidney cancer does not show specific symptoms. Kidney cancer symptoms are usually discovered incidentally on Computed Tomography (CT) and MRI scans. As a result, it is critical to visit a doctor and do routine checkups if you are concerned. Kidney cancer requires testing such as tomography and MRI.

If more detailed information about an existing tumor is required, doctors apply a method called the percutaneous biopsy. The part taken with local anesthesia is examined in the laboratory and the diagnosis is made. Urine and blood tests do not diagnose kidney cancer.

Kidney Cancer Stage

Stages are determined based on the tumor’s diameter, length, and rate of spread. A specific staging system is used for this, abbreviated TNM. In this system, answers are sought primarily for the following three questions:

T: stands for Tumor. Investigates the size and location of the central tumor.

N: It is a specific measure that gives results by examining the number of lymph nodes. If there is a spread, it is checked how many and where.

M: Stands for metastasis. It is the specification that gives the measurement that determines whether metastasis has spread.

Tumor

The following classification is determined based on the size and location of the cancer mass:

  • T1: It refers to a tumor that is only in the kidney and has a maximum size of 7 cm.

T1a: Tumors 4 cm or less in size are in this class.

T1b: Describes the cancerous area in the kidney, measuring 4 – 7 cm.

  • T2: It is the stage in which tumors that are only in the kidney and whose largest area is larger than 7 cm are classified.

T2a: The widest region of the tumor in the kidney is between 7 and 10 cm.

T2b: The area of ​​cancer is more than 10 cm in one kidney.

  • T3: There is a tumor around the kidney, it has not reached the perinephric tissue.

T3a: Cancer has spread to the renal vein.

T3b: Cancer has spread out to the vein that goes to the heart.

T3c: Cancer is out of the kidney and progressed to the right atrium.

  • T4: At this stage, cancerous cells have spread beyond the connective tissue outside the kidney.

Node

  • N0: No cancer cells were found in regional lymph nodes.
  • N1: It is spread to regional lymph nodes.

Metastasis

  • M0: No metastases yet.
  • M1: Metastases are seen in other regions except for the kidney region.

T, N, M classifications are combined and the stage of cancer is determined in this way.

Phases

  • Stage I: The tumor is < 7 cm or less, with no extension (T1, N0, M0).
  • Stage II: The tumor is > 7 cm or more, no spread (T2, N0, M0).
  • Stage III: Spread to regional lymph nodes, no metastasis. (T1 or T2, N1, M0)

Tumor in the main vessel and/or perinephric tissue. Possible spread to lymph nodes. No metastases. (T3, any N, M0)

  • Stage IV:

Cancer mass beyond Gerota’s fascia. It can reach nearby lymph nodes. There’s no need to check for metastases in distant organs. (Any N, T4, M0)

The tumor that forms kidney cancer has spread and metastasized outside the kidney and other organs. (any T, any N, M1)

The kidney cancer survival rate is much higher before stage IV.

What Are the Types of Kidney Cancer?

About 90% of kidney cancer cases arise in the inner lining of the tubules in the kidney. These tumors are called renal cell carcinoma. Others:

  • Transitional cell carcinoma is a type of renal pelvis cancer that starts on the inner surface of the renal pelvis.
  • Wilms tumor (nephroblastoma), the most common cancer in children > or equal 8 years.
  • Renal sarcoma is rare in kidney soft tissue.

What are Kidney Cancer Risk Factors?

The following are some of the risk factors and kidney cancer causes:

  • Smoking (risk starts to decrease after quitting)
  • Obesity
  • Hypertension
  • Long-term dialysis
  • Senility
  • Family history of kidney cancer and some inherited syndromes

Kidney Cancer Treatment Methods

Radiotherapy and chemotherapy, which are general cancer treatment methods, are not applied in the treatment of kidney cancer. Instead, tumor tissue is removed by surgical operation. The kidney cancer treatment process is different in cases with and without metastasis. If kidney cancer is in the last stage, the diseased kidney is completely removed by radical nephrectomy. If the disease has not progressed that far, partial nephrectomy surgery is performed, in which only the diseased part is removed.

What are the Ways to Prevent Kidney Cancer?

Taking good care of the body reduces the risk of kidney cancer.

To prevent kidney cancer:

  • Avoid smoking
  • Normal BMI index and stabilization
  • Stable blood pressure, lowering it if high
  • Maintain a healthy lifestyle
  • Balanced diet
On 04/01/2022   /   Oncology   /   Leave a comment

Leave a Reply