Kidney Cancer

•  Renal cell carcinoma (RCC): This is the most common type of kidney cancer. There are several sub-types of RCC based on the genetic changes in the cancer cells. These include clear cell, papillary, chromophobe and collecting duct carcinomas, among others. Clear cell carcinoma accounts for 80% of all RCC cases, and most treatments are focused on this type.
•  Wilms’ tumor: This is childhood cancer, responsible for 95% of paediatric kidney cancer cases.
•  Urothelial cell cancer of the renal pelvis and ureter : Cancer of the urinary tract that occurs in the part of the kidney that collects urine or in the ureter is called urothelial carcinoma. Although it is frequently called kidney cancer, it is more like bladder cancer, since most bladder cancers also form urothelial cells

A small number of kidney cancer cases can be passed down from one generation to the next. Genetic counseling is an absolute necessity then.

Kidney cancer stages are defined by the severity of the disease. This entirely depends on the size of the tumour, the location, and whether cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Kidney cancer is divided into four stages which are:

Stage I: This is the beginning stage of cancer where the cancer is limited only to the kidney. The size of the tumour present at this stage is roughly upto 7 cms.

Stage II: At this stage, the tumour found in the kidney has grown more than 7 cms and is still limited to the kidney.

Stage III: At this stage, cancer has begun to spread to parts around the fatty areas of the kidney, lymph nodes and surrounding tissues. It also spreads to major veins and perinephric tissues.

Stage IV: Cancer is at its last stage where cancer cells have vigorously grown beyond the fatty layer of tissue present around the kidney. Nearby lymph nodes, organs such as the bowel, pancreas, liver and lungs are infected too. This leads to the bones and brain being infected at the final stage.

The treatment for kidney cancer gets difficult if not diagnosed at the early stages. The survival rate also decreases drastically at later stages despite various treatment methods available.

• The causes of kidney cancer are unknown yet; hence its prevention is not certain. Depending on the risk factors associated with RCC, the following are a few steps to maintain healthy kidneys and prevent the occurrence of kidney cancer.
• Quit Smoking: there is a proven record that smoking doubles their chances of kidney cancer by 30 % in men and 25% in women.
• Eat nutritious food: a balanced diet with all nutrients helps build a stronger immune system in the body. Meals should ideally include fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Stay active and maintain a healthy weight: obesity increases the chances of kidney cancer due to hormonal changes. It is important to exercises for at least 30 mins a day.
• Toxic chemicals exposure: hazmat protocol to be followed in all occupations dealing with toxic chemicals.
• Control of BP and sugar.