Renal Cell Carcinoma

-Description:

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC), also known as renal cell adenocarcinoma, is the most common type of kidney cancer. RCC usually grows as a single mass within the kidney but can be found in multiple parts of the kidney or it can be in both kidneys.

-Etiology:

Cause Risk Factors

The cause is essentially unknown.Smoking.Obesity.

HypertensionLong-term dialysis

Exposure to chemicals and irritants.

-Signs and Symptoms:

- Flank or side pain that doesn’t go away.

-Hematuria.

-Lump or mass palpated in the side of the abdomen.

-Weight loss.

-Fever.

-Some patients report feeling listless and not well.

-Diagnostic Procedures:

-Complete physical examination may reveal an enlarged mass.

-BUN (blood urea nitrogen) and creatinine levels are checked.

-CT scan is often used in diagnosis.

-A solid tumor can also be detected by ultrasound .

-Some cases my require a biopsy to remove tissue cells.

-Stages:

Stage I Stage II Stage III Stage IV The tumor is 7 centimeters or smaller and is found only in the kidney.

The tumor is larger than 7 centimeters and is found only in the kidney.

The tumor is any size and cancer is found only in the kidney and in 1 or more nearby lymph nodes; or

Cancer is found in the renal blood vessels or in the layer of fatty tissue around the kidney. Cancer may be found in 1 or more nearby lymph nodes.

Cancer has spread beyond the layer of fatty tissue around the kidney and may be found in the adrenal gland, or in nearby lymph nodes; or

To other organs, such as the lungs, liver, bones, or brain, and may have spread to lymph nodes.

-Management and Treatment:

CT scan of Renal Cell Carcinoma

Treatment is determined by the stage and the spread of the cancer. The most common treatment is surgery, either partial or complete removal of the diseased kidney.

Arterial embolization may be used to prevent the cancer from receiving oxygen it needs to grow, by a particular mechanism.

Radiation therapy, immunotherapy and chemotherapy may also be considered.

Reference: Carol D. Tamparo and Marcia A. Lewis. Diseases of the Human Body. 5th edition.