Kidney cancer is defined as a type of cancer that has risen from the kidney. It doesn't usually encompass metastatic cancer of the kidney (a type of cancer arising from outside the kidney and then spreading into it) but it there have been cases where it became secondary.
Cancer of the kidney can be divided into two common types - urothelial cell carcinoma or UCC and renal cell carcinoma or RCC of the renal pelvis. The two are based on their location inside the kidney. Distinction between the UCC and RCC types are important due to prognosis staging and management of the condition. This is since treatment like surgery, chemotherapy and others can vary in these two types.
Though there are cases wherein no symptoms and signs are present, the common symptoms and signs of kidney cancer are hydronephrosis, hematuria and palpable mass in the abdomen (the most common). The palpable mass usually presents itself initially along the anterior lumbar region, in-between the margins of the crista ilii and the ribs. Then, it grows forward towards the umbilicus and up to the hypochondrium. Then, it goes down to the iliac and the inguinal regions. During extreme cases, it can fill the whole belly. Since the colon and a part of the small intestines are positioned in front of it, the colons position can furnish a vital role as a diagnostic mark of all types of kidney cancers.
With the common use of dialysis today - a process that substitutes the functionality of the kidney, people are beginning to realize the vital the role of kidneys in the body. Aside from playing an essential role in the urinary system, they also provide homeostatic functions like in regulating electrolytes, maintaining acid-base balance and regulating blood pressure. They also excrete wastes like ammonium and urea. They're also responsible for water, amino acids and glucose reabsorption. Last but not the least; they produce hormones like renin, erythropoietin and calcitriol.
When a tumor (abnormal growth of body tissue) develops in the kidney, it disrupts its normal functions. Tumors, whether malignant (cancerous) or benign (non-cancerous), can appear when the body starts experiencing problems in cell division. As we all know, division of cells in the body is strictly controlled. New cells come to replace older ones and old as well as damaged cells die to make room for healthy replacements. When this process becomes abnormal, a tumor has developed. If the tumor is malignant, it develops into kidney cancer.
Even if tumors can be removed these days, there is still a possibility that they'll come back - depending on the type of tumor. Benign tumors are not life-threatening and they don't come back once removed. This is because the cells from benign tumors don't spread to other parts of the body. Kidney tumors that are malignant are the ones that result to kidney cancer. When removed, they can grow again; they can damage; and they can go to other tissues as well as organs. Aside from infecting its pair, they can also join the bloodstream or the lymphatic system. It can also spread to the lungs, liver or bones.
Usual treatment of kidney tumor or even kidney cancer is surgery. However, once the tumor or cancer cells have spread to other organs in the body, surgery may no longer be a practical option.
This is why it's important to care for your kidneys as early as now. This can help you avoid expensive costs of dialysis, kidney transplant and possible death. Avoid or quit smoking, eat small portions of fish, cereals, lean meats and grain breads as well as low-fat dairy products, fruits and vegetables everyday. Maintain a healthy weight and indulge in physical activity. They're not only very important for the kidneys; they're also good for the lungs, heart and feet.
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