Kidneys in our body are vital organs that play a very crucial role in filtering waste products and toxins from the blood and throws it out of the body through urine. Kidney cancer also known as renal cancer is a disease where there is uncontrolled cell division in the kidneys leading to formation of tumor  which is capable of spreading to other parts of the body and can be life threatening as well. There are different types of Kidney cancers which are as follows –

1.     Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) – This is the most common type of kidney cancer that accounts to about 90% of cases. It grows in the lining of the tiny tubes inside the kidney.

2.     Transitional cell carcinoma – This type of kidney cancer originates in the area where ureter connects to the main part of kidney called the renal pelvis.

3.     Wilms tumor – This type typically affects children

4.     Renal sarcoma – This is a rare form that begins in the kidney’s connective tissues

There are several factors that increases the risk of causing kidney cancer. They are-

·        Smoking and tobacco consumption in any form increases the risk of kidney cancer significantly due to carcinogens present in tobacco.

·        Obesity leads to lowered immunity and increased hormonal imbalance elevates risk of kidney cancer

·        Hypertension has been linked with increase in risk of kidney cancer

·        Family history of kidney cancer can be passed on to further generations by heredity

·        Exposure to harmful chemicals like asbestos and cadmium can lead to kidney cancer

·        Long term usage of certain medications like pain killers increases the risk of kidney cancer

Symptoms of kidney cancer are

·        Hematuria – blood in the urine

·        Persistent pain in the sides and lower back

·        Unexplained weight loss

·        Recurrent fever

·        Fatigue

·        Lump or mass in the kidney

·        Anemia

·        High blood pressure

Diagnosis typically includes the following investigations

·        Scans- PET CT scan, CT scan, MRI scans, Ultrasound scan

·        Blood tests – Renal function test

·        Urine routine test

·        Biopsy

Prevention

·        Quit smoking and tobacco consumption in all forms

·        Maintain a healthy body weight

·        Avoid exposure to harmful chemicals

·        Take protective measures if you are exposed to harmful chemicals in your workplace

·        Regular exercise and balanced diet increases immunity and makes the body capable of fighting cancer

·        Consumption of antioxidant rich fruits and vegetables on daily basis works as natural detoxifiers which further enhances renal functioning.

·        Regular health check ups for early detection and better prognosis