Kidney cancer, also known as renal cancer, originates in the kidneys, which are two bean-shaped organs located on either side of the spine. The most common type of kidney cancer is renal cell carcinoma (RCC), accounting for about 90% of cases. Other, less common types include transitional cell carcinoma, Wilms tumor (primarily in children), and renal sarcoma. Early detection and treatment are crucial for improving outcomes and survival rates.

Causes and Risk Factors
Several factors can increase the risk of developing kidney cancer. These include:

• Smoking: Tobacco use significantly raises the risk of kidney cancer.
• Obesity: Excess body weight is associated with an increased risk.
• High Blood Pressure: Hypertension has been linked to kidney cancer.
• Family History: A family history of kidney cancer can increase risk.
• Genetic Conditions: Conditions such as von Hippel-Lindau disease, hereditary papillary renal cell carcinoma, and others can predispose individuals to kidney cancer.
• Exposure to Certain Substances: Long-term exposure to certain chemicals, such as asbestos, cadmium, and specific herbicides, may increase risk.

Symptoms
Kidney cancer often doesn’t cause symptoms in its early stages. As it progresses, symptoms may include:

• Blood in the urine (hematuria)
• Persistent back or side pain
• A lump or mass in the abdomen
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue
• Fever that is not caused by an infection
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Anemia

Diagnosis
Diagnosis of kidney cancer typically involves a combination of imaging tests and lab tests. These may include:

• Imaging Tests: Ultrasound, CT scans, and MRI help visualize the kidneys and detect abnormalities.
• Urine Tests: Checking for blood and other substances in the urine.
• Blood Tests: Assessing overall kidney function and detecting potential tumor markers.
• Biopsy: A sample of kidney tissue may be taken to confirm the diagnosis, though it is less common for kidney cancer diagnosis compared to imaging tests.

Treatment Options
Treatment for kidney cancer depends on the stage of the disease, the patient’s overall health, and personal preferences. Options include:

• Surgery: The primary treatment for most kidney cancers, including partial nephrectomy (removal of the tumor and part of the kidney) and radical nephrectomy (removal of the entire kidney).
• Ablation and Embolization: Minimally invasive procedures to destroy or block blood flow to the tumor.
• Targeted Therapy: Drugs that target specific pathways involved in cancer cell growth.
• Immunotherapy: Boosts the body’s immune system to fight cancer cells.
• Radiation Therapy: Used less frequently but may be an option in certain cases.
• Chemotherapy: Generally less effective for kidney cancer but may be used in specific circumstances.

Prevention and Monitoring
Preventing kidney cancer involves managing risk factors where possible. This includes quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, controlling high blood pressure, and avoiding exposure to harmful chemicals. For those at high risk, regular monitoring and screening can help detect the disease early when treatment is more likely to be successful.