Kidney Cancer - occurs about 90% of time
as the type known as renal cell carcinoma (it affects about 40
000 Americans each year). The other 5% are transitional
cell carcinomas (urothelial carcinomas). Using a
microscope a technician can classify renal cell carcinoma as
falling into 5 categories:
-
clear cell,
-
papillary,
-
chromophobe,
-
collecting duct, and
-
unclassified.
Symptoms: The most frequent sign of kidney cancer is
detection of blood in the urine. Other symptoms include
lower back pain, swelling of the legs and ankles, fever, a mass
(lump) in the abdomen, weight loss and fatigue.
Diagnosis: If your doctor suspects cancer a series of
laboratory tests and radiological examinations may be
prescribed. A tracer die may be injected and used to
contrast any cancerous growth when imaging tests are ordered.
Treatment: In the early stages of kidney cancer (Stage I and
II) surgery is usually the best way to remove the cancerous
tissue. In the later stages of growth, your doctor may put
you on cytokine therapy. This is usually the case if you
are in general good health. Other treatment options
include immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and newer targeted
therapies.
