The kidneys They are the organs responsible for filtering blood and eliminating waste through urine.
Kidney cancer, or kidney cancer, is a malignant tumor that appears when the cells of this organ grow uncontrollably, according to the University of Navarra.
Renal cell carcinoma is the most common type of kidney cancer, according to the Mayo Clinic. It represents 90% of malignant kidney tumors, according to the University of Navarra.
This disease can appear between the third and seventh decades of life and is more common in men, in a ratio of 2 to 1, points out the University of Navarra.
There are also other less common types, such as Wilms tumor, which occurs mainly in young children.
The number of diagnosed cases has increased, explains the Mayo Clinic, probably because studies such as CT scans are used more frequently, allowing more cases of cancer to be detected accidentally.
At first, kidney cancer has no symptoms. However, over time the following signs may appear, according to the Mayo Clinic:
- Blood in the urine, pink, red, or dark brown. Although it is rare, according to the University of Navarra
- Loss of appetite
- Side or back pain that doesn’t go away
- Fatigue
- Weight loss without apparent cause
- Palpable abdominal mass, although it is rare, according to the University of Navarra
How is kidney cancer diagnosed?
In addition to a complete physical examination, the doctor usually requires imaging tests, such as an abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan, and blood tests, indicates the Clínica Universidad de Navarra.
In some cases it is also necessary to perform an MRI, CT angiography or positron emission tomography (PET). The biopsy of a kidney mass is only recommended when its result can modify the treatment, adds the institution.
Prevention
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises:
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Don’t smoke or quit
- Take special care if you work with trichloroethylene, an industrial solvent used to remove grease from metal parts and manufacture the HFC-134a refrigerant, due to its high toxicity.
According to MedlinePlus, other factors that may increase the risk of kidney cancer are:
- Dialysis treatment
- Family history of the disease
- high blood pressure
- Horseshoe kidney
- Long-term use of pain relievers or diuretics
- Polycystic kidney disease
- Von Hippel-Lindau syndrome
- Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome