The kidneys are essential organs for filtering waste products and maintain fluid level of the body by producing urine.

Cancer that starts in kidney cells is called kidney or renal cancer. The main type of kidney cancer is called renal cell carcinoma (RCC). There are different types of RCC.

·         Clear cell. This is the most common type of RCC.

·         Papillary. This is the second most common type of RCC. This type of tumour has tiny finger like growths.

·         Chromophobe. This is a rare form of RCC. The cells are larger than other types of RCC.

·         Collecting duct. This is also a rare form of RCC. The cancer cells look like irregular tubes.

·         Unclassified. This includes tumours that have cells from more than 1 type of cancer.

Other types of kidney cancer

·         Transitional cell carcinoma. This is also known as urothelial carcinoma. This type of kidney cancer can act and look like bladder cancer.

·         Wilms’ tumour. This cancer most always occurs in children. It's very rare in adults.

·         Renal sarcoma. This is a very rare type of kidney cancer. It begins in the blood vessels and connective tissue around the kidneys.

There are several types of kidney tumours that are not cancer (benign). These include renal cell adenoma, renal oncocytoma, and angiomyolipoma. These types of tumours may still affect kidney function and can cause pain and other symptoms. 

Signs and symptoms

Kidney cancer doesn't usually cause symptoms at first. In time, signs and symptoms may develop, including:

·         Blood in the urine, which may appear pink, red or cola colored.

·         Loss of appetite.

·         Pain in the side or back that doesn't go away.

·         Tiredness.

·         Unexplained weight loss.

Causes

It's not clear what causes most kidney cancers. Kidney cancer happens when cells in the kidney develop changes in their DNA.

Risk Factors

Factors that may increase the risk of kidney cancer include

·         Older age. The risk of kidney cancer increases with age.

·         Smoking tobacco. People who smoke have a greater risk of kidney cancer and the risk decreases after quitting.

·         Obesity. People who are obese have a higher risk

·         High blood pressure. High blood pressure, also called hypertension, increases the risk of kidney cancer.

·         Certain inherited conditions. People who are born with certain inherited conditions may have an increased risk of kidney cancer,which include hereditary papillary renal cell carcinoma and familial renal cancer.

·         Family history of kidney cancer. The risk of kidney cancer is relative, such as a parent or sibling has the same.

Diagnosis:

Blood and urine tests

Imaging tests

Biopsy

CT and MRI scans

Surgery: It may be complete nephrectomy, or partial nephrectomy that involves removing the cancer and a small margin of healthy tissue that surrounds it rather than the entire kidney. 

Cryoablation: to freeze cancer cells.

Radiofrequency ablation: is a treatment to heat cancer cells.

Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy treats cancer with powerful energy beamsand can help control or reduce symptoms of kidney cancer that has spread to other areas of the body, such as the bones and brain.

Targeted therapy: Targeted therapy for cancer is a treatment that uses medicines that attack specific chemicals in the cancer cells. 

Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy for cancer is a treatment with medicine that helps the body's immune system kill cancer cells.

Chemotherapy: Immunotherapy for cancer is a treatment with medicine that helps the body's immune system kill cancer cells.

Palliative care:  palliative care can help relieve pain and other symptoms.

 At D.S. Research Centre, we are committed to not just treating cancer but preventing it through Ancient Ayurveda-based therapies. Many patients who were told they had no hope have found new life through our treatment. Some were in advanced stages of cancer, even with metastasis, yet experienced remarkable improvement. These cases serve as powerful examples of how integrative approaches can change the spectrum of cancer care. Time and again, we have documented case studies and innovations proving the effectiveness of our approach. These findings have been shared with global authorities, ensuring that the world recognizes the lifesaving potential of ancient wisdom integrated with modern science. 

Preventing Kidney Cancer:

• There's no sure way to prevent kidney cancer
• Drink alcohol in moderation, if at all.
• Eat more fruits and vegetables.
• Exercise 30 mins.at least 5days in a week.
• Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight is linked to an increased risk of kidney cancer. 
• Stop smoking.

• Control high blood pressure.