Kidney Cancer
Kidney cancer (renal cell cancer) - cancer that forms in the tissues of the kidney. Renal cell carcinoma (cancer that forms in the lining of the very small tubes in the kidney that filter the blood and remove waste) and renal pelvis carcinoma (cancer that forms in the center of the kidney where urine collects) are types of more common kidney cancers.
The tiny tubules of both kidneys filter and clean the blood, removing waste and urine. When urine passes from each kidney, it goes through a long tube called a ureter. Cancer that forms in the ureters or the renal pelvis (the part of the kidney that collects urine and drains it to the ureters) is different from the renal cell cancer.
What increases the risk to develop kidney cancer?
· Age.
· Smoking.
· Excessive use of pain medication for a longer period of time
· Existence of certain genetic conditions, such as hereditary papillary renal cell carcinoma.
How to detect and diagnose kidney cancer?
Physical exam - exam of the body to check for signs of lumps or other things that may seem unusual.
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) - a medical procedure that uses radio waves, a magnet, and a computer to take detailed pictures of the body.
CT/CAT Scan - a procedure that makes a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body. Often, a dye is injected into a vein or swallowed to help the organs or tissues to show up more clearly. To learn more about different types of scans, please click here.
Urinalysis - a test that checks the color and content of the urine. Lack of or increase of protein, white/red blood cells can provide signs of bladder related issues.
Urine cytology - examination of the urine under a microscope for abnormal cells.
Internal exam - examination of the vagina and/or rectum through insertion of gloved fingers to feel for lumps.
Cystoscopy - a procedure when an instrument (cystoscope) is inserted through the urethra into the bladder to check for abnormal areas. This instrument may have a tool to remove tissue samples to be checked for signs of cancer.
Fecal occult blood test - stool (waste) is checked for blood using a microscope.
Digital rectal exam - exam of the rectum where a doctor inserts a gloved finger to feel for lumps or anything that may seem unusual.
Sigmoidoscopy - a procedure that looks into the rectum and lower colon for polyps and/or unusual areas, through insertion of a thin, tube-like instrument.
Colonoscopy - a procedure that look into the rectum and colon for polyps and/or unusual areas, through insertion of a thin, tube-like instrument.
Biopsy - removal of cells or tissues to be checked under the microscope. To check for kidney cancer, a thin needle is inserted into the tumor and a piece of tissue is taken.
Liver function test - a procedure where blood is checked for the amounts of enzymes released by the liver. An abnormal amount of enzymes being released can be a sign of cancer having spread into the liver.
Intravenous pyelogram (IVP) - x-rays of the kidneys, ureters, and bladder in order to find if cancer is present in any of the organs. A contrast dye is used in the veins to see any blockages in the organs.
Blood chemistry studies - a procedure where blood is checked for unusual amounts of certain substances released into the blood by organs and tissues. Unusual amounts mean there are greater chances of some disease in the organs.
Ultrasound - a procedure where high-energy sound waves bounce through internal organs or tissues, making echoes and forming a picture of the body tissues.
Treatment for kidney cancer
Kidney cancer’s treatment options depend on the size and stage of the cancer. Patient’s general health and age also play vital roles in the treatment options.
Kidney cancer (renal cell cancer) - cancer that forms in the tissues of the kidney. Renal cell carcinoma (cancer that forms in the lining of the very small tubes in the kidney that filter the blood and remove waste) and renal pelvis carcinoma (cancer that forms in the center of the kidney where urine collects) are types of more common kidney cancers.
The tiny tubules of both kidneys filter and clean the blood, removing waste and urine. When urine passes from each kidney, it goes through a long tube called a ureter. Cancer that forms in the ureters or the renal pelvis (the part of the kidney that collects urine and drains it to the ureters) is different from the renal cell cancer.
What increases the risk to develop kidney cancer?
· Age.
· Smoking.
· Excessive use of pain medication for a longer period of time
· Existence of certain genetic conditions, such as hereditary papillary renal cell carcinoma.
How to detect and diagnose kidney cancer?
Physical exam - exam of the body to check for signs of lumps or other things that may seem unusual.
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) - a medical procedure that uses radio waves, a magnet, and a computer to take detailed pictures of the body.
CT/CAT Scan - a procedure that makes a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body. Often, a dye is injected into a vein or swallowed to help the organs or tissues to show up more clearly. To learn more about different types of scans, please click here.
Urinalysis - a test that checks the color and content of the urine. Lack of or increase of protein, white/red blood cells can provide signs of bladder related issues.
Urine cytology - examination of the urine under a microscope for abnormal cells.
Internal exam - examination of the vagina and/or rectum through insertion of gloved fingers to feel for lumps.
Cystoscopy - a procedure when an instrument (cystoscope) is inserted through the urethra into the bladder to check for abnormal areas. This instrument may have a tool to remove tissue samples to be checked for signs of cancer.
Fecal occult blood test - stool (waste) is checked for blood using a microscope.
Digital rectal exam - exam of the rectum where a doctor inserts a gloved finger to feel for lumps or anything that may seem unusual.
Sigmoidoscopy - a procedure that looks into the rectum and lower colon for polyps and/or unusual areas, through insertion of a thin, tube-like instrument.
Colonoscopy - a procedure that look into the rectum and colon for polyps and/or unusual areas, through insertion of a thin, tube-like instrument.
Biopsy - removal of cells or tissues to be checked under the microscope. To check for kidney cancer, a thin needle is inserted into the tumor and a piece of tissue is taken.
Liver function test - a procedure where blood is checked for the amounts of enzymes released by the liver. An abnormal amount of enzymes being released can be a sign of cancer having spread into the liver.
Intravenous pyelogram (IVP) - x-rays of the kidneys, ureters, and bladder in order to find if cancer is present in any of the organs. A contrast dye is used in the veins to see any blockages in the organs.
Blood chemistry studies - a procedure where blood is checked for unusual amounts of certain substances released into the blood by organs and tissues. Unusual amounts mean there are greater chances of some disease in the organs.
Ultrasound - a procedure where high-energy sound waves bounce through internal organs or tissues, making echoes and forming a picture of the body tissues.
Treatment for kidney cancer
Kidney cancer’s treatment options depend on the size and stage of the cancer. Patient’s general health and age also play vital roles in the treatment options.
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What is Cancer Glossary of Cancer/Treatment Terms Types of scans to detect cancer
Common Types of Cancer*
Bladder Cancer Breast Cancer Colon Cancer Kidney (Renal Cell) Cancer Leukemia (adult) Leukemia (child)
Lung Cancer Melanoma Pancreatic Cancer Prostate Cancer Skin Cancer (Nonmelanoma) Thyroid Cancer
* Common Types of Cancer - cancers diagnosed with greatest frequency in the United States
What is Cancer Glossary of Cancer/Treatment Terms Types of scans to detect cancer
Common Types of Cancer*
Bladder Cancer Breast Cancer Colon Cancer Kidney (Renal Cell) Cancer Leukemia (adult) Leukemia (child)
Lung Cancer Melanoma Pancreatic Cancer Prostate Cancer Skin Cancer (Nonmelanoma) Thyroid Cancer
* Common Types of Cancer - cancers diagnosed with greatest frequency in the United States
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© Copyright 2015. Cancer Crisis Fund is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.
home | about us |get involved | donate | resources | contact us
© Copyright 2015. Cancer Crisis Fund is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.