Renal Cell Carcinoma (Type of Kidney Cancer) ; Definition, Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment

Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC) is the most common type of kidney cancer in adults. It originates in the lining of the small tubes (tubules) within the kidneys1. Here are some key points about RCC: Symptoms Blood in the urine (hematuria): Often the first noticeable symptom. Flank pain: Pain on one side of the body between the hip and ribs. Abdominal mass: A lump or swelling in the abdomen. Other symptoms: Weight loss, fever, high blood pressure, night sweats, and general feeling of being unwell. Causes and Risk Factors Age: Most common in people aged 50-70. Gender: More common in men. Smoking: A significant risk factor. Obesity: Associated with a higher risk. Genetic factors: Conditions like von Hippel-Lindau syndrome and Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome can increase risk. Diagnosis Imaging tests: CT scans, MRIs, and ultrasounds are used to detect tumors2. Biopsy: A sample of kidney tissue may be examined under a microscope to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment Surgery: Partial or complete removal of the affected kidney. Targeted therapy: Drugs that target specific aspects of cancer cells. Immunotherapy: Boosts the body's immune system to fight cancer. Radiation therapy: Used in some cases to shrink tumors. Prognosis Localized RCC: When the cancer is confined to the kidney, the five-year survival rate is 65-90%. Metastatic RCC: When the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, the prognosis is less favorable #RenalCellCarcinoma