Below, you’ll find must-know information about kidney cancer.
Kidney cancer, also known as renal cancer, is a type of cancer that originates in the kidneys. This type of cancer starts in the lining of the small tubes (tubules) in the kidney that filter the blood.
Renal cell carcinoma accounts for about 85% of all cases. Other types of kidney cancer include transitional cell carcinoma. It is also known as urothelial carcinoma. This is the most prevalent kind of cancer affecting the urinary tract. It is more common in men than in women and the risk increases with age.
Wilms tumor, also known as nephroblastoma, is the most common type of kidney cancer in children. It is typically diagnosed in children between the ages of 3 and 4.
Among the risk factors for kidney cancer are obesity, hypertension, family history, and smoking. Other risk factors include long-term dialysis, certain genetic conditions, and exposure to certain chemicals.
The survival rate for people with kidney cancer depends on how early the cancer is detected and treated. If the cancer is caught early, before it has spread beyond the kidney, the survival rate is quite high. But if cancer has spread to other parts of the body, the survival rate is lower.
Early-stage kidney cancer usually doesn’t cause any symptoms, so regular screening of high-risk groups (like heavy smokers, and people with certain genetic conditions) is important to detect it at the early stage.
Early detection and diagnosis of kidney cancer can greatly improve a person’s chances of successful treatment.
Below are kidney cancer symptoms worth knowing.
10. Sudden Weight Loss
Weight loss in kidney cancer can be caused by a number of factors. One of the most common causes is the tumor itself, which can grow to a large size and press on the stomach, making it difficult to eat or feel full after eating. Cancer can also produce hormones that can affect appetite and lead to weight loss.
In advanced stages, cancer can also cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, which can further contribute to weight loss. Additionally, as cancer spreads to other parts of the body, it can cause pain and discomfort, making it difficult to maintain a healthy diet.
9. Blood In The Urine
In kidney cancer, the presence of blood in the urine, also known as hematuria, is typically caused by a tumor that has grown large enough to begin invading the blood vessels in the kidney.
As the tumor grows, it can disrupt the normal flow of urine through the kidney, which can cause blood to leak into the urine.
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