Hi, and welcome to the Health and Beauty Base Blogger blog! In today’s article, we’ll be discussing the signs and symptoms of kidney cancer, focusing specifically on renal cell carcinoma (RCC)—the most common type of kidney cancer. We’ll also delve into why these symptoms occur, as well as the risk factors associated with this condition.
What is Renal Cell Carcinoma?
Renal cell carcinoma is the most prevalent type of kidney cancer. While there are other types, such as sarcomas and Wilms' tumor (common in children), RCC remains the most frequently diagnosed form in adults.
Risk Factors for RCC
Several factors increase the risk of developing renal cell carcinoma, including:
- Cigarette Smoking: The leading risk factor.
- Obesity: Particularly in women.
- Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): Linked to a higher risk.
- Chemical Exposures: Including trichloroethylene (found in paint thinners and degreasers), benzene (present in cigarette smoke and some cleaning products), and herbicides.
- Long-Term Use of NSAIDs: Prolonged use of high-dose ibuprofen may elevate risk.
- Kidney Stones: Recurring kidney stones, especially in men.
- Genetic Conditions: Disorders like von Hippel-Lindau syndrome contribute to familial cases.
Most RCC cases are sporadic (95%), occurring randomly, while familial or inherited cases account for about 5%. RCC is most commonly diagnosed in people aged 60–70, with men being twice as likely to develop it as women.
Signs and Symptoms of RCC
Many cases of renal cell carcinoma are asymptomatic in the early stages—25–30% of patients show no symptoms. However, as the disease progresses, the following symptoms may develop:
Hematuria (Blood in Urine):
- May be microscopic (detected through urine tests) or macroscopic (visible to the naked eye).
- Occurs in 40–60% of patients and warrants immediate investigation in older adults.
Flank Pain:
- Intermittent or constant pain on the side of the abdomen.
- Present in about 40% of patients.
Palpable Mass:
- A noticeable mass in the abdomen or flank, often associated with a feeling of fullness or pressure.
- Occurs in 25% of cases.
These three symptoms—hematuria, flank pain, and a palpable mass—form the classic triad of RCC. However, they occur together in only 10% of patients, often indicating advanced disease.
Other Symptoms
Additional signs and symptoms include:
- Unintentional Weight Loss: Seen in one-third of patients due to the cancer consuming the body’s nutrients.
- Fever and Night Sweats: Although less common, some patients experience excessive sweating at night and fevers.
- Fatigue and Malaise: Low energy and a general sense of feeling unwell.
- Anemia: Caused by the tumor impairing the kidney’s ability to produce erythropoietin, a hormone vital for red blood cell production. Symptoms include pallor, dizziness, and fainting.
- Hypertension: Found in 20% of patients, often resulting from changes in kidney function.
Paraneoplastic Syndromes in RCC
Renal cell carcinoma is often called a “cancer in disguise” due to its ability to mimic other conditions. Some paraneoplastic syndromes include:
- Erythrocytosis (High Red Blood Cell Count):
- Caused by tumors producing excessive erythropoietin.
- Symptoms include itching, headaches, and redness of the skin.
- Hypercalcemia (High Blood Calcium):
- Resulting from tumor production of parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP).
- Symptoms include muscle weakness, bowel changes, and mental confusion.
Metastatic RCC
Approximately one-third of RCC cases involve metastases, spreading to:
- Lungs: Leading to shortness of breath (75% of cases).
- Bones: Causing pain, especially in the lower back (20% of cases).
- Liver: Resulting in symptoms like jaundice and fluid buildup (18% of cases).
Conclusion
Renal cell carcinoma presents with a wide range of symptoms and can be challenging to diagnose early due to its asymptomatic nature in many patients. Awareness of risk factors and prompt investigation of symptoms like hematuria is crucial.
