Kidney Cancer
Kidney cancer is a cancer that starts in the lining of very small tubes (tubules) in the kidney. Renal cell carcinoma is the most common type of kidney cancer in adults, responsible for approximately 80% of cases. Risk factors for kidney cancer include cigarette smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, and family history of kidney cancer.
Kidney cancer affects more than 80,000 people in the United States every year. It often affects people over the age of 65, and is more common in men than women. The five-year survival rate for people with kidney cancer is 80%. While several factors may influence a person’s survival rate, kidney cancer is often treatable if found early.
What is Kidney Cancer?
The kidneys are a pair of organs that are attached to the upper back wall of the abdomen. Each kidney is about the size of a large fist. They are shaped like beans, and their main job is to filter waste products from the blood. The waste products and excess water removed by the kidneys become urine. Cancer occurs when the cells in the kidney begin to grow out of control. If not caught early, the cancerous cells may spread to other parts of the body.
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There are different types of kidney cancer:
Renal Cell Carcinoma
The kidneys are made up of many tiny tubes called tubules. Renal Cell Carcinoma occurs when cells in the lining of these tubules begin growing uncontrollably. This is the most common type of kidney cancer and accounts for 80% of diagnosed cases. Renal Cell Carcinoma is a fast-growing cancer and is known to spread to other organs.
Urothelial Carcinoma
Urothelial Carcinoma is also known as transitional cell carcinoma. This type of cancer starts in urothelial cells, and makes up around 10-15% of diagnosed kidney cancers. Urothelial cells are found in the part of the kidney where urine collects before traveling to the bladder for storage.
Sarcoma
Sarcoma develops in the soft (connective) tissues of the kidney and usually grows more quickly than other types of kidney cancer. This type of kidney cancer is rare and is often treated with surgery before it can spread to other parts of the body.
KIDNEY CANCER SYMPTOMS & RISKS
Symptoms
In early stages, kidney cancer may not cause any noticeable symptoms. As the tumor grows, you may begin to experience some of the following symptoms:
- Blood in the urine
- Pain in the lower back
- Tiredness
- Feeling a lump on your side or lower back
- Losing weight
- Loss of appetite
While these symptoms may indicate kidney cancer, they are also common for a number of non-cancer related conditions. It is important to check with your doctor if you are experiencing any of these symptoms to get an accurate diagnosis.
Risk Factors
There are a number of factors that may affect your chances of developing kidney cancer during your lifetime. Some of these factors can be changed while other factors are things you cannot control. Certain habits and lifestyle behaviors can have a significant impact on a person's risk for developing kidney cancer. Also, factors such as age and family history can play a role in determining a person's risk level. Even if a person has a risk factor, we often cannot determine how large of a role it played in the development of cancer.
Some common risk factors for kidney cancer include:
- Smoking
- Alcohol use
- Obesity
- High blood pressure
- Family history of kidney cancer
- Age
- Gender
KIDNEY CANCER SCREENING
Testing & Screening
If you have some of the common symptoms of kidney cancer, your doctor will perform a physical exam and take a complete medical and family history. The medical and family history can help your doctor determine any potential factors that put you at a higher risk for kidney cancer. During the physical exam, the doctor may be able to feel a mass when examining your lower back or belly. If your doctor suspects you may have kidney cancer, there are a number of tests and screenings that can be performed.
Urinalysis
Your doctor may collect a sample of your urine to look for small amounts of blood. Microscopic and chemical tests will be run on your urine to help determine if there is any sign of cancer.
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
For this test, your doctor will take a sample of your blood. A complete blood count measures the number of different types of cells in your blood. People with kidney cancer will often have abnormal results. For example, people with kidney cancer often have a low count of red blood cells. If your red blood count is low, your doctor will run additional tests to help determine if cancer cells are present.
Blood Chemistry Tests
If your doctor has reason to think you may have kidney cancer, they may perform a blood chemistry test. Blood chemistry tests measure the level of certain chemicals in the blood, which may indicate the presence of cancer. These tests can also look at kidney function, which is important to know before further procedures are scheduled.
Biopsy
Unlike most other cancers, kidney cancer can often be diagnosed through the use of imaging technology. However, sometimes imaging tests are unclear and a biopsy is done to confirm cancer. A biopsy involves taking a sample of a mass in your kidney to view under a microscope. In general, the risk of complications from a kidney biopsy is low.
IMAGING/DIAGNOSTICS & FOLLOW-UP CARE
Imaging technology is often used to help create a picture of the inside of your body. It can help determine how far cancer has spread or if an abnormal area of tissue is cancerous.
Some imaging tests include:
Computerized Tomography (CT) Scan
CT scans are able to create an image of the inside of your body through the use of x-rays. These scans are extremely helpful when searching the kidneys for the presence of any tumors. Once located, the CT scan can provide information on the size, location, and shape of the tumor. CT scan can also identify sites of cancer outside the kidneys in cases where the cancer has spread.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Scan
MRI scans can create detailed images of the inside of your body, similar to a CT scan, except it uses powerful magnets and radio waves instead of X-rays. This type of scan is especially useful to see if the cancer has spread to the blood vessels or the spinal cord.
Ultrasound
Ultrasounds can create images of the inside of your body through the use of sound waves. If a kidney mass is solid or filled with fluid, an ultrasound can help detect the tumor. If a biopsy needs to be performed, an ultrasound can help your doctor guide the needle into the correct spot in the kidney.
KIDNEY CANCER TREATMENT
Treatments
If you are facing kidney cancer, know that there are numerous treatment options available. Treatment plans will depend on the stage and severity of the cancer. It is important to discuss all available treatment options with your doctor so that you can choose the treatment plan that is best suited for you.
Some of the treatment options we offer are:
Nephron Sparing Surgery
During this procedure, a surgeon will remove tumors of the kidney while saving the remaining normal kidney. While parts of the kidney will be missing, you will still have a functioning kidney.
Robotic Assisted Partial Nephrectomy
Patients diagnosed with small kidney tumors have the option of undergoing a robotic assisted partial nephrectomy. During this minimally-invasive procedure, a surgeon will remove the tumors with the assistance of a robot. The rest of the kidney is left intact, leaving the patient with a functioning kidney. Very small incisions are made for this procedure, which can significantly reduce scarring and recovery time.
Image Guided Thermal Ablation
This procedure is an option for patients with small tumors in their kidneys. During this procedure, your doctor will use imaging guidance to insert needlelike applicators into the tumors of the kidney. Either intense heat or cold is applied directly to the tumor, which destroys the tissues.
Minimally Invasive Nephrectomy
During this procedure, a surgeon will remove an entire kidney that contains a tumor or tumors. This is done as a minimally invasive procedure, where mini-incisions are created for the surgical procedure. This method reduces scarring and overall recovery time.
Chemotherapy and Targeted Therapy
Chemotherapy drugs can be given through the veins or by mouth. Unfortunately, cancer cells in the kidney generally do not respond well to chemotherapy. Chemotherapy is only used after other treatment methods have been tried. However, newer treatments such as targeted therapy or immunotherapy, which are also given by mouth or through the veins, have shown excellent anticancer results.
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Outpatient Care Center
Suite 1E
1801 W. Taylor Street
Chicago, IL 60612
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Mile Square Health Center
Urology Clinic - 2nd Floor
1220 S. Wood Street
Chicago, IL 60608
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