Be Aware of Kidney Cancer (Renal Cell Carcinoma: RCC)

Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC) is a type of cancer that develops in the tissue of the kidney, originating from the cells responsible for filtering waste from the blood. This type of cancer is commonly found in adults and accounts for approximately 2-3% of all cancers 📊. It is more prevalent in males than females, with a ratio of 2:1, and is most often diagnosed in individuals between the ages of 55 and 75 years.

💡 Key Risk Factors You Should Know

Understanding the risk factors can help reduce the likelihood of developing the disease and aid in early prevention. These include:

1. Smoking 🚬
   • Smoking is the most significant risk factor, as toxic substances in cigarettes increase the likelihood of kidney cell abnormalities.
2. Chronic Disease
   • Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): Affects blood vessels and kidney function.
   • Obesity: Being overweight increases the risk of kidney cancer.
3. Genetic Disorders and Gene Mutations
   • Genetic disorders such as Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) syndrome can increase the chance of developing kidney cancer. MET gene mutation (gene mutation).
4. Chemical Exposure
   • Exposure to certain chemicals such as asbestos, cadmium, and trichloroethylene.

Symptoms of kidney cancer

Kidney cancer may not produce any noticeable symptoms in its early stages. But as the tumor grows, symptoms may begin to appear. For that reason, kidney cancer often isn’t diagnosed until it has begun to spread.

Kidney cancer symptoms may include:

1. Blood in Urine (Hematuria)

Urine may appear pink, red, or cola-colored, even without pain.

2. Pain or Discomfort in the Flank or Lower Back

A dull ache or persistent pain may be felt on one side of the back or flank.

3. Lumps or Tumors in the Abdomen

Abnormal masses may be palpable in the abdominal or flank area.

4. Other Symptoms

• Sudden, unexplained weight loss.
• Fatigue and loss of appetite.
• Persistent low-grade fever.

🔬 Diagnosis and Tests

If symptoms suggest RCC, physicians may employ the following diagnostic techniques:

1. Blood and Urine Tests

• Test kidney function and check for protein or blood in the urine.

2. Imaging Tests

• Ultrasound: Used to detect lumps in the kidney.
• CT Scan and MRI: Provide detailed images to assess the size and spread of the tumor.

3. Biopsy

• A biopsy is performed to confirm the diagnosis of kidney cancer.

🛡 Management and Treatment

The treatment for kidney cancer depends on the stage of the disease, the overall health of the patient, and a shared decision-making process between the patient and the doctor.

1. Surgery

• Partial Nephrectomy: Removal of only the cancerous part of the kidney. This is suitable for early-stage cancer.
• Radical Nephrectomy: Removal of the entire kidney, including nearby lymph nodes and tissues, when the cancer has spread.

2. Immunotherapy

• Targeted therapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses drugs or other substances to precisely identify and attack certain types of cancer cells.

4. Palliative Care

• Focuses on relieving symptoms and improving the quality of life for patients with advanced-stage cancer.

📈 Survival Rates

• Early Stages: If detected and treated early, the 5-year survival rate is as high as 90%.
• Advanced Stages: If cancer has spread to other organs, the survival rate drops to 10-20%.

💙 Prevention and Health Tips

• Quit smoking.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Schedule regular health check-ups, especially for individuals with a family history of kidney cancer.
• Be vigilant about any unusual changes or symptoms in your body.

At Sukhumvit Hospital, we provide expert consultations, advanced diagnostic technologies, and comprehensive treatment plans for kidney cancer. Let us help you achieve the best possible health outcomes.