What is Kidney Cancer? Symptoms, Causes, & Treatment

Kidney cancer happens when cells in your kidneys start growing out of control, forming tumors that can interfere with your kidney's normal function. Your kidneys are two bean-shaped organs about the size of your fist, located on either side of your spine below your ribcage. They work around the clock to filter waste from your blood and make urine, so when cancer develops here, it can affect this vital cleaning process your body depends on.

What is kidney cancer?

Kidney cancer occurs when healthy kidney cells become abnormal and multiply uncontrollably. Most kidney cancers start in the tiny tubes inside your kidneys called nephrons, which are like millions of microscopic filters that clean your blood.

The most common type is renal cell carcinoma, which makes up about 85% of all kidney cancers. Think of it as the "main" type that doctors see most often. There are also less common types like transitional cell carcinoma and Wilms tumor, which mainly affects children.

What makes kidney cancer particularly challenging is that it often grows quietly without obvious symptoms in the early stages. Your kidneys are tucked deep inside your body, so small tumors can develop without you feeling anything different at first.

What are the symptoms of kidney cancer?

Early kidney cancer often doesn't cause noticeable symptoms, which is why it's sometimes called a "silent" disease. When symptoms do appear, they can be subtle and might seem related to other, less serious conditions.

Here are the symptoms you might experience, ranging from the most common to those that are less frequent:

• Blood in your urine, which might make it look pink, red, or cola-colored
• Pain in your side or back that doesn't go away
• A lump or mass you can feel in your side or back
• Unexplained weight loss over several weeks or months
• Fatigue that doesn't improve with rest
• Fever that comes and goes without an obvious cause
• Loss of appetite that lasts more than a few days

Some people also experience less common symptoms like swelling in their legs, high blood pressure that develops suddenly, or anemia. These happen because kidney cancer can sometimes affect how your body manages fluids and makes certain hormones.

Remember, having one or more of these symptoms doesn't mean you have kidney cancer. Many other conditions can cause similar signs, but it's worth checking with your doctor if you notice any persistent changes.

What are the types of kidney cancer?

There are several types of kidney cancer, each starting in different parts of your kidney. Understanding the type helps your doctor plan the best treatment approach for your specific situation.

The main types include:

• Renal cell carcinoma - the most common type, starting in the kidney's filtering tubes
• Transitional cell carcinoma - begins where your kidney connects to the ureter
• Renal sarcoma - a rare type that starts in the kidney's connective tissue
• Wilms tumor - primarily affects children under age 5
• Lymphoma - when lymph tissue in the kidney becomes cancerous

Renal cell carcinoma has several subtypes, with clear cell being the most common. Your doctor can determine the exact type through biopsy and imaging tests. Each type behaves differently and responds to different treatments, which is why getting an accurate diagnosis is so important.

What causes kidney cancer?

Kidney cancer develops when something damages the DNA inside kidney cells, causing them to grow and divide uncontrollably. While we don't always know exactly what triggers this change, researchers have identified several factors that can increase the risk.

The most significant risk factors include:

• Smoking tobacco, which doubles your risk compared to non-smokers
• Obesity, particularly carrying extra weight around your midsection
• High blood pressure that's been present for many years
• Family history of kidney cancer in parents or siblings
• Certain genetic conditions like von Hippel-Lindau disease
• Long-term dialysis treatment for kidney failure
• Exposure to certain chemicals like asbestos or cadmium

Age also plays a role, with most kidney cancers occurring in people over 45. Men develop kidney cancer slightly more often than women, though doctors aren't entirely sure why this happens.

It's important to know that having risk factors doesn't mean you'll definitely develop kidney cancer. Many people with multiple risk factors never get the disease, while others with no known risk factors do develop it.

When to see a doctor for kidney cancer symptoms?

You should contact your doctor if you notice blood in your urine, even if it only happens once. This symptom always deserves medical attention, regardless of whether you feel pain or other symptoms.

Also reach out to your healthcare provider if you experience persistent back or side pain that doesn't improve with rest or typical pain relief methods. Pain that wakes you up at night or gets worse over time is particularly worth discussing.

Don't wait to seek care if you're experiencing unexplained weight loss combined with fatigue, especially if you've also noticed changes in your appetite. While these symptoms can have many causes, it's better to check them out sooner rather than later.

If you have a family history of kidney cancer or known genetic conditions that increase your risk, talk with your doctor about appropriate screening schedules. Early detection makes treatment much more effective.

What are the risk factors for kidney cancer?

Several factors can increase your chances of developing kidney cancer, though having these risk factors doesn't guarantee you'll get the disease. Understanding these factors can help you make informed decisions about your health and screening.

Lifestyle-related risk factors you can influence include:

• Smoking cigarettes or using other tobacco products
• Being significantly overweight or obese
• Having poorly controlled high blood pressure
• Eating a diet high in fried foods and low in fruits and vegetables

Medical and genetic factors beyond your control include:

• Being male (men are twice as likely to develop kidney cancer)
• Age over 45, with risk increasing each decade
• Family history of kidney cancer
• Inherited conditions like von Hippel-Lindau syndrome
• Long-term kidney disease requiring dialysis
• Previous treatment with certain medications

Workplace exposures to substances like asbestos, cadmium, or certain organic solvents can also increase risk. If you work in industries where these exposures might occur, following safety protocols and using protective equipment is crucial.

What are the possible complications of kidney cancer?

Kidney cancer can lead to several complications, both from the cancer itself and sometimes from treatments. Understanding these possibilities helps you know what to watch for and when to seek additional medical care.

Complications directly related to the cancer include:

• Kidney function problems if the cancer affects how your kidneys filter blood
• High blood pressure from tumors affecting blood vessels
• Anemia when cancer interferes with red blood cell production
• Spread of cancer to other organs like lungs, bones, or liver
• Blood clots in legs or lungs

Treatment-related complications can include surgical risks like bleeding or infection, side effects from medications, or temporary kidney function changes. Your medical team monitors closely for these issues and has strategies to manage them.

The good news is that many complications can be prevented or effectively treated when caught early. Regular follow-up appointments allow your healthcare team to spot and address problems before they become serious.

How can kidney cancer be prevented?

While you can't prevent all cases of kidney cancer, you can take steps to reduce your risk. The most effective prevention strategies focus on lifestyle changes that support overall kidney health.

Here are the most impactful things you can do:

• Quit smoking or never start - this single change can cut your risk in half
• Maintain a healthy weight through balanced eating and regular exercise
• Control your blood pressure through diet, exercise, and medication if needed
• Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables while limiting processed foods
• Stay hydrated by drinking adequate water throughout the day
• Limit alcohol consumption to moderate levels

If you work with chemicals or in industries with potential kidney cancer risks, always follow safety protocols. Wear protective equipment and ensure good ventilation in your workspace.

For people with genetic conditions that increase kidney cancer risk, working with a genetic counselor and following recommended screening schedules becomes especially important. These proactive steps can help catch any problems at the earliest, most treatable stages.

How is kidney cancer diagnosed?

Diagnosing kidney cancer usually begins with your doctor asking about your symptoms and medical history, followed by a physical exam. If kidney cancer is suspected, several tests help confirm the diagnosis and determine the cancer's stage.

The diagnostic process typically includes these steps:

1. Blood and urine tests to check kidney function and look for abnormalities
2. Imaging scans like CT or MRI to see detailed pictures of your kidneys
3. Ultrasound to distinguish between solid tumors and fluid-filled cysts
4. Sometimes a biopsy, where a small tissue sample is removed for examination
5. Additional scans to check if cancer has spread to other parts of your body

CT scans are often the first imaging test used because they can show kidney tumors very clearly. Your doctor might use contrast dye to make the images even more detailed, helping distinguish cancer from normal kidney tissue.

Interestingly, kidney cancer is sometimes discovered accidentally during scans done for other reasons. These "incidental" findings often catch cancer at earlier, more treatable stages.

What is the treatment for kidney cancer?

Treatment for kidney cancer depends on several factors including the cancer's size, location, stage, and your overall health. The good news is that many kidney cancers can be successfully treated, especially when caught early.

Surgery remains the main treatment for most kidney cancers. Your surgeon might remove just the tumor and some surrounding tissue (partial nephrectomy) or the entire kidney (radical nephrectomy). Many of these surgeries can now be done using minimally invasive techniques with smaller incisions.

Other treatment options include:

• Targeted therapy drugs that attack specific cancer cell features
• Immunotherapy to help your immune system fight the cancer
• Radiation therapy for cancers that have spread or can't be surgically removed
• Ablation techniques that freeze or heat cancer cells to destroy them
• Active surveillance for very small, slow-growing tumors

Your treatment team will work with you to choose the best approach based on your specific situation. Many people do very well with treatment, particularly when kidney cancer is caught before it spreads beyond the kidney.

How to manage symptoms at home during kidney cancer treatment?

Managing symptoms and side effects at home plays an important role in your overall treatment plan. Simple strategies can help you feel more comfortable and maintain your strength during treatment.

For general comfort and energy management:

• Rest when you need to, but try to stay gently active with short walks
• Eat small, frequent meals if your appetite is reduced
• Stay hydrated unless your doctor advises otherwise
• Take prescribed medications exactly as directed
• Keep a symptom diary to track changes and share with your healthcare team

Pain management might include using prescribed pain medications as directed, applying heat or cold packs to sore areas, and practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing. Never hesitate to contact your healthcare team if pain becomes difficult to manage.

Maintain connections with family and friends, as emotional support significantly impacts how you feel during treatment. Many people find support groups helpful for connecting with others who understand what they're experiencing.

How should you prepare for your doctor appointment?

Preparing for your appointment helps ensure you get the most out of your time with the healthcare team. Being organized allows you to cover all your concerns and helps your doctor provide the best care.

Before your appointment, gather this important information:

• A list of all your current symptoms, including when they started
• All medications you're taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements
• Your family medical history, especially any cancers
• Previous medical records and test results if seeing a new doctor
• Your insurance information and identification

Write down your questions ahead of time so you don't forget to ask them. Important questions might include asking about your diagnosis, treatment options, side effects to expect, and how treatment might affect your daily life.

Consider bringing a trusted family member or friend to your appointment. They can help you remember information discussed and provide emotional support. Many people find it helpful to take notes or ask if they can record important parts of the conversation.

What's the key takeaway about kidney cancer?

The most important thing to understand about kidney cancer is that early detection and treatment significantly improve outcomes. While the thought of cancer can feel overwhelming, many people with kidney cancer go on to live full, healthy lives after treatment.

Pay attention to your body and don't ignore persistent symptoms, especially blood in urine or unexplained back pain. These symptoms have many possible causes, but they always deserve medical evaluation to rule out serious conditions.

Remember that you have more control over your kidney cancer risk than you might think. Simple lifestyle changes like not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and controlling blood pressure can substantially reduce your chances of developing this disease.

If you do receive a kidney cancer diagnosis, know that treatment options have improved dramatically in recent years. Work closely with your healthcare team, ask questions, and don't hesitate to seek second opinions for major treatment decisions. You're not alone in this journey.