Kidney Cancer
The primary purpose of the kidneys is to filter waste from the blood and produce urine. If afflicted with cancer, there will be abnormal cell growth in these bean-shaped organs, eventually forming tumor masses. Usually, they don’t present symptoms in their early stages. However, as it progresses, some signs that may occur are persistent pain in the back, recurring fevers, weight and appetite loss, anemia, and blood mixed in urine.
There isn’t a specific known cause for kidney cancer yet, but there are several risk factors for developing the disease. These include obesity, hypertension, family history, old age, long-term NSAID use, CKD, hepatitis, kidney stones, and exposure to toxins such as asbestos, trichloroethylene, and herbicides. Usually, the diagnosis of kidney cancer comes up through tests like a CBC, urinalysis, ultrasound, renal angiography, intravenous pyelogram, and abdominal CT scans. Treatment options for the condition may vary depending on cancer type and stage. Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and radical nephrectomy are some of the most commonly used.
