What is Kidney Cancer?

Kidney cancer is a malignant, uncontrolled cell proliferation and growth that originates from kidney cells. Renal cell carcinoma (RCC), also known as renal cell cancer or renal cell adenocarcinoma, is the most common type of kidney cancer. About 9 out of 10 kidney cancers are renal cell carcinoma. Less commonly, some types of kidney cancer, which we will talk about below, may occur. Young children are more likely to develop a type of kidney cancer called Wilms' tumor. Although kidney cancers are usually seen as a single tumor in the kidney, sometimes a tumor can develop in more than one focus in one kidney or even in both kidneys at the same time.

Kidney There are several subtypes of cancers according to the cell type they contain. Knowing the subtype of cancer can be a factor in deciding on treatment and can also help determine whether the cancer is caused by an inherited genetic syndrome. Kidney cancers account for about 2% of all cancers seen in the body. Kidney cancers are seen 2-3 times more frequently in men than in women, and they occur mostly in the 60-70 age group.


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Classification of Kidney Cancers

1-Clear cell renal cell carcinoma: The most common of renal cell cancers subtype, it constitutes approximately ⅔ of kidney cancers (70-75%). When seen in the laboratory, the cells that make up clear cell cancer appear very pale or clear.

2-Papillary renal cell carcinoma: The second most common subtype of kidney cancers - about 10-14% are in this subtype. Also known as chromophilic cancers. These cancers form little finger-like projections (called papillae) in some, if not most, of the tumours. Some doctors call these cancers chromophilic because the cells are stained with certain dyes and appear pink when viewed under the microscope. These are further subdivided into type 1 and type 2.

3-Chromophobic renal cell carcinoma:This subtype accounts for about 5% of all kidney cancers. The cells of these cancers are also clear cells. It is pale like a slate, but it is much larger and has other features when viewed very closely under the microscope. Types of renal cell cancer seen: These subtypes are very rare and each account for less than 1% of kidney cancers: Collecting duct cancer, Multilocular cystic kidney cancer, Medullary carcinoma, Mucinous tubular and spindle cell carcinoma, Neuroblastoma associated kidney cell carcinoma. These are quite malignant and have a malignant course

5-Unclassified renal cell carcinoma: Although very rare, there is more than one type of cancer cell or that does not fit into any of the other categories.

6-Types of non-renal cell kidney cancer: Other types of kidney cancer include transitional epithelial cell (urothelial) carcinomas, Wilms tumors and renal sarcomas.

Changeable epithelial cell carcinoma: 5-10% of kidney cancers are transitional epithelial cell carcinomas, also known as urothelial carcinomas. These are not true kidney cancers, but cancers that originate from the kidney pool (pelvis) and ureter (kidney canal) and are treated like bladder cancer. Pelvis renalis and ureter tumors will be examined under another topic.

Wilms tumor (nephroblastoma): Wilms tumors are almost always seen in children. This type of cancer is very rare among adults. This type of cancer is described more broadly under the heading of childhood tumors.

Renal sarcoma: Renal sarcoma is a rare condition that begins in the blood vessels or connective tissue of the kidney. It is a type of kidney cancer. They make up less than 1% of all kidney cancers.







Benign (non-cancerous) kidney tumors

Some kidney tumors are benign (not cancerous). This means that they do not metastasize (have not spread) to other parts of the body. s), but they can still grow and cause problems. Treatments that are also used for kidney cancers such as benign kidney tumors, surgery or radiofrequency ablation may be used. The choice of treatment depends on many factors, including the size of the tumor and, if causing any symptoms, the number of tumors, whether the tumors are in both kidneys, and the person's general health.

2-Angiomyolipoma : Angiomyolipomas are the most common benign kidney tumor. They are more common in women. It can develop sporadically or in people with tuberous sclerosis, a genetic condition that also affects the heart, eyes, brain, lungs, and skin. These tumors are made up of different types of connective tissues (blood vessels, smooth muscle, and fat). If they do not cause any symptoms, they can usually be watched closely. If they start to cause problems (such as pain or bleeding), they may need to be treated.

2-Oncocytoma: Oncocytomas are benign kidney tumors that are uncommon and can sometimes grow quite large. They are more common in men and do not normally spread to other organs, so surgery usually cures them. Although rare, they can become cancerous.


Causes and risk factors of kidney cancer

Some of the kidney cancers have genetic and hereditary (familial characteristics). (for example, a deletion in the p arm of the 3rd chromosome) causes cells to grow and divide rapidly. Some cells may metastasize and spread to distant parts of the body. A risk factor is anything that increases your chances of getting a disease such as cancer. Different cancers have different risk factors. Some risk factors, such as smoking It can be changed. Factors such as your age or family history and genetics cannot be changed. There are some modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors for kidney cancers.


These are:

1- Aging: Your risk of kidney cancer increases as you get older.

2-Smoking: Smokers have a higher risk of kidney cancer than nonsmokers. This relative risk decreases after quitting smoking.

3-Obesity and malnutrition: Obese people have a higher risk of kidney cancer than people who are thought to have a healthy weight.

4-High blood pressure (hypertension): High blood pressure increases your risk of developing kidney cancer.

5-Treatment of kidney failure:  Chronic kidney failure People who take long-term dialysis to treat kidney cancer have a higher risk of developing kidney cancer.

6-Workplace Risks: Many studies have suggested that workplace exposure to certain substances, such as trichlorethylene, increases the risk of kidney cancer. .

7-Race and gender:It is more common in black race and kidney cancer is seen 2-3 times more in men than in women.

8-Some inherited genetic syndromes:In people born with certain inherited syndromes, for example von Hippel-Lindau disease (VHL gene-3p deletion), Birt-Hogg-Dube syndrome, tuberous sclerosis complex, hereditary papillary renal cell carcinoma or familial kidney cancer The risk of kidney cancer may increase, such as those with kidney cancer.

9-Family history of kidney cancer. Kidney cancer risk is higher if Y family members have the disease.

Can we be protected from kidney cancer? ?

Leaving aside the non-modifiable risk factors such as genetic and familial predisposition, race, and ageing, here are some suggestions that may help reduce your risk of developing kidney cancer:

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1-You should not use cigarettes and tobacco products: If you smoke, quit. Many quitting options are available, including support programs, medications, and nicotine replacement products. Tell your doctor you want to quit and discuss your options together.

2- Fighting obesity: Maintain a healthy weight. Try to maintain a healthy weight. F If you are underweight or obese, reduce the number of calories you consume each day and try to be physically active most days of the week.

3-Blood Pressure Control: Control high blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure, you can discuss options for lowering your numbers. Lifestyle measures such as exercise, weight loss, and dietary changes can help. Some patients may need medication to lower blood pressure.

4-Occupational exposure: Avoiding exposure to harmful substances such as trichlorethylene at work can also reduce your risk of kidney cell cancer.

Kidney cancer symptoms

Early kidney cancers usually do not cause any signs or symptoms, however, kidney tumors that reach larger volumes may give some symptoms and cause some complaints. These signs and symptoms may be caused by another type of cancer other than kidney cancer, or by other diseases of the kidneys and urinary tract. For example; Bleeding in the urine can mostly be caused by a bladder or urinary tract infection or kidney stone. However, if you have any of these signs, it is recommended that you see a doctor.

Some possible signs and symptoms of kidney cancer include:

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