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Kidney cancer is one of the 10 most common cancers. It occurs two times more often in men than in women. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), the lifetime risk for developing kidney cancer is 1 in 46 for men and 1 in 80 for women. It is also more common in African Americans, American Indians and Alaskan Natives. The average age at diagnosis is 64, and kidney cancer is very uncommon in people younger than 45.
A Closer Look
The kidneys are located below the ribs, behind the abdominal wall and on each side of the spine. These powerful bean-shaped organs work constantly to keep blood clean and to help balance electrolytes and hormones. While their main job is to filter and remove waste products in the form of urine, the kidneys also secrete many hormones, which help keep blood pressure normal and increase the production of red blood cells. Most people are born with two; however,
it is possible to live a healthy and active life with only one functioning kidney.
Signs & Symptoms of Kidney Cancer
Nearly 82,000 Americans will be diagnosed with kidney cancer in 2023, according to ACS estimates. The rate of new kidney cancers has been on the rise since the 1990s (although it has leveled out in recent years). Some researchers suggest the rise is due to improvements in the imaging and computed tomography (CT) scans used to diagnose the disease, as well as an increase in the use of these tests.
Kidney cancer begins when cells develop changes in their DNA (known as mutations) and begin to grow and divide rapidly. These abnormal cells can form a tumor that can grow within the kidney or spread to other parts of the body.
Renal cell carcinoma is the most common type of kidney cancer, making up more than 90% of all cases. Other less common types of kidney cancer include transitional cell
carcinoma, renal sarcoma and Wilms’ tumor (in children).
In the earliest stages, kidney cancers don’t typically cause noticeable symptoms. Some possible indicators are:
• Blood in the urine
• Persistent pain or a lump on one side of the lower back, below the ribs
• Fatigue (feeling tired)
• Anemia (low red blood cell count)
• Loss of appetite or weight loss not due to dieting
• Fever, chills or night sweats that won’t go away
These symptoms can signal other health problems as well, so it is important to report any concerning signs to your health care provider. Taking proactive steps is vital to diagnosing problems early, when treatment can be more effective.
Currently, there are no routine screening tests available to detect kidney cancer. While urine tests do not diagnose kidney cancer, they can detect whether there is blood,
infection or proteins in the urine, which can be signs of kidney disease. Blood tests can determine whether the kidneys are working properly. If these test results indicate cancer or that a mass may be present, your doctor may order a specialized imaging test. CT scans and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans produce highly detailed, 3-D images and can help to make an accurate diagnosis.
Treatment Options
The earlier kidney cancer is found, the better the chances are for a more positive outcome. Treatment can involve surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy or immunotherapy.
Decisions about treatment are made based on the stage of the cancer, as well as the patient’s age, general health and personal preferences.
Risk Factors
People with a family history of kidney cancer have a higher risk of developing the disease, as do those who receive long-term dialysis to treat chronic kidney failure. The risk of kidney cancer also increases with age. Other known risk factors include:
• Smoking
• High blood pressure
• Obesity
Making healthy lifestyle changes in diet, staying active and quitting smoking (or never starting) are among the best-known measures for preventing cancer and other diseases. Getting regular physicals and staying on track with recommended screenings and vaccines also contribute to healthier outcomes.
New Options Through Clinical Trials
Advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of all forms of cancer continue at a rapid pace, thanks to ongoing clinical research. One of the most promising and successful new treatment areas for cancer is immunotherapy, which uses the body’s own immune system to find, target and fight many forms of the disease, even at advanced stages.
Clinical trials have played an important role in these advancements, which are now saving more lives. Patients who participate in these safe and carefully supervised groundbreaking research studies are receiving the latest treatments available, which can have positive impacts on their outcomes.
WORLD-CLASS CANCER TREATMENT, CLOSE TO HOME
About Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, LLC
(FLCancer.com)
Recognized by the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) with a national Clinical Trials Participation Award, Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute (FCS) offers patients access to more clinical trials than any private oncology practice in Florida. In the past four years, the majority of new cancer drugs approved for use in the U.S. were studied in clinical trials with Florida Cancer Specialists participation.* Trained in prestigious medical schools and research institutes, our physicians are consistently ranked nationally as Top Doctors by U.S. News & World Report.
Founded in 1984, Florida Cancer Specialists has built a national reputation for excellence that is reflected in exceptional and compassionate patient care, driven by innovative clinical research, cutting-edge technologies, and advanced treatments, including targeted therapies, genomic-based treatment and immunotherapy. Our highest values are embodied by our outstanding team of highly trained and dedicated physicians, clinicians and staff.
Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute
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Lake Worth, FL 33461
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Delray Beach, FL 33434
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Palm Beach Gardens, Florida 33410
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For more information, visit FLCancer.com