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Jennifer Young, MD
Kidney Cancer What You Need To Know
The Urology Group - Lansdowne
. http://www.urologygroupvirginia.com/

Kidney Cancer What You Need To Know

It is estimated that there are approximately 55,000 cases of kidney cancer that are diagnosed in the United States each year and 13,000 deaths due to this disease. Average age at diagnosis for renal cell carcinoma is in the
early 60s.

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC), which represents 2% of all adult cancers, is the most lethal of common urologic cancers, with approximately 35% of patients dying from the disease at the five-year mark. RCC incidence rates have risen steadily each year during the last three decades, with an average increase of 2% to 3% per year.

What are risk factors for RCC?

Tobacco use and obesity are the main risk factors for RCC, accounting for about 20% and 30% of cases, respectively. High blood pressure has also been demonstrated to increase the risk of RCC development. Family history is associated with 2% to 4% of kidney cancers.

What are the symptoms of RCC?

More than half of kidney cancers are found incidentally, during imaging studies (for example, CT scan or ultrasound) carried out for an unrelated issue. This is particularly true for small renal masses; under seven centimeters (2.8 inches).

In some cases, RCC can cause symptoms, which may include pain in the back or side, blood in the urine or the finding of an abdominal mass. In 20% of cases, the tumor may secrete hormones leading to an additional symptom called a paraneoplastic syndome. The most common of these syndromes have symptoms that include high blood pressure, high red blood cell count and high blood calcium level.

How is RCC diagnosed?

If a renal mass is first discovered on ultrasound, a CT scan is done. About 20% of small renal masses thought to be RCC, may be a benign growth.

Other studies may be done to evaluate for spread of cancer, including blood work, chest x-ray, and sometimes a bone scan. Biopsy of the mass may be done in select circumstances.

How is RCC treated?

Renal cell carcinomas can have a wide range of clinical behaviors. Some tumors grow slowly and remain in the kidney, while others may grow rapidly and spread throughout the body. Management options range from observation to surgical removal of the kidney.

How can I decrease
my risk of RCC?

Moderation of alcohol exposure, and increased fruit, vegetable, and fatty fish consumption have been reported to reduce the risk of RCC.

If you have a personal or family history of kidney cancer, discuss this with your doctor or urologist.

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