Kidneys are two bean-shaped organs that are reddish-brown in color. Kidneys are located above the waist on either side of the body. Their role is to filter blood and get rid of urea and other poisonous wastes from the body. A dilute solution called urine is formed in the process.
Every five minutes, the whole blood passes through the kidneys, something that ensures that the toxic wastes do not build up. Kidneys also play a crucial role in the production of hormones that stimulate the formation of red blood cells, control of blood pressure, and the maintenance of an optimum calcium level in the blood.
Each kidney works autonomously; therefore, one can be removed without affecting the functions of the other. There are five strange facts about kidney cancer that everybody should know:
- Risk factors
Kidney cancer occurs when healthy cells in one or both kidneys multiply uncontrollably. Cells are miniature building blocks that make up the tissues and organs in our bodies. Cells usually increase in a controlled manner.
Sometimes, a cell may become defective and keep on dividing continuously, therefore, forming more unhealthy cells. These abnormal cells eventually lump together to form a tumor.
Although there are different types of kidney cancers, renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most prevalent. As affirmed by the American Cancer Society, nine out of every 10 kidney cancer patients suffer from renal cell carcinoma. Transitional cell (urothelial) carcinoma and Wilms’ tumor are categorized as other forms of kidney cancer.
The reason why cells become cancerous is still not yet clear. In most cases, a lot of people develop kidney cancer for no apparent reason. However, risk factors that contribute to the condition include advanced age, smoking, obesity, genetic factors and exposure to chemical carcinogens.
- Symptoms of kidney cancer
Most of the symptoms of kidney tumor are not noticeable in its early stages. Hematuria has been identified to be the first sign of the illness. Hematuria is defined as the presence of blood in an individual’s urine. People who have hematuria pass urine which is brown, pink or red in color.
Kidney Research UK reports that, every so often, the blood in urine may not be noticeable to the naked eye. Routine tests are usually performed in the laboratory to detect tiny traces of blood. Other symptoms include the presence of a lump in the abdomen, loss of appetite, rapid weight loss, fever, fatigue, pain on the side of the body, and swelling of the legs.
However, the presence of blood in urine does not always mean that a person is suffering from kidney cancer. It can be an indication of other conditions that affect kidneys like prostrate problems, kidney stones, nephritis or urinary tract infections. It is necessary for a person to visit a physician without delay after noticing blood in urine.
- Diagnosis
The National Health Service recommends the use of a combination of several tests to confirm the presence of kidney cancer. These tests include urine tests, blood tests, intravenous pyelogram, ultrasound scan, computerized tomography (CT) scan, image-guided biopsy, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, cystoscopy and intravenous pyelogram (IVP).
- Treatment methods
The treatment method for kidney cancer depends on the stage of cancer, a patient’s overall health, and the spread of the illness to other organs. The American Cancer Society proposes the use of either one or a combination of several treatment methods. These treatment methods comprise of surgery, immunotherapy, chemotherapy, ablation, radiation therapy, arterial embolization and cryotherapy.
Depending on a patient’s treatment option and the stage of cancer, various specialists may be involved in the treatment plan. These professionals may include radiation oncologists, urologists and medical oncologists.
- Coping with cancer
Being diagnosed with cancer can be very distressing to patients and their families. Sometimes, it is not easy for a patient to absorb and comprehend the news. Talking to a psychiatrist helps in dealing with feelings of anxiety and depression.
However, there is hope for the patients. A report released recently titled “Cancer Treatment & Survivorship Facts & Figures 2016-2017,” estimates that there are currently more than 15.5 million cancer survivors in the United States of America, and the number is projected to rise. The report points out that, the number of cancer survivors will continue to increase globally due to enhanced treatment methods and early detection of the disease.
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