Advanced Renal Cell Cancer
Advanced Renal Cell Cancer: What You Need to Know
Advanced renal cell cancer is an aggressive form of kidney cancer. It tends to develop suddenly and may spread quickly throughout the body. Left untreated, it can be life-threatening. Fortunately, there are effective treatments available for advanced renal cell cancer.
By understanding the disease, you can get the care and treatment you need to help manage the condition.
What Is Advanced Renal Cell Cancer?
Advanced renal cell cancer is also known as stage IV kidney cancer. It's a type of cancer that begins within the cells of the kidney. It's one of the most common types of kidney cancer, accounting for over 90 percent of all cases.
Most often, advanced renal cell cancer develops in those over the age of 60, although it can affect people of any age.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of advanced renal cell cancer include:
- Pain in the side
- Fever
- Blood in your urine
- Swelling or malaise
- Anemia
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
Other symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, and an abdominal mass. Rarely, the tumor may compress nearby organs, resulting in pain and discomfort. Advanced renal cell cancer may also cause hormonal imbalances, including a high calcium level and an increased red blood cell count.
Diagnosis
When advanced renal cell cancer is suspected, doctors often use a variety of imaging tests to diagnose the condition. These include X-rays, CT scans, and ultrasounds. Doctors may also use a urine test to check for signs of abnormal cells.
In some cases, the doctor may also take a biopsy of the kidney to check for cancerous cells. This involves taking a small sample of tissue from the kidney and examining it for signs of cancer.
Treatment Options
Advanced renal cell cancer can be treated with a variety of treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. In some cases, a combination of treatments may be needed.
Surgery is often used to remove the cancerous tumor and any affected lymph nodes. Additionally, chemotherapy and radiation therapies may be used to destroy any leftover cancer cells. In some cases, immunotherapies may be used to boost your immune system's ability to fight the cancer.
In some cases, targeted therapies may also be used. These medications target specific molecules in the cancer cells, which helps to slow or stop the growth of the cancer.
Prevention and Outlook
The best way to reduce your risk of advanced renal cell cancer is to make healthy lifestyle choices, such as avoiding smoking and using alcohol in moderation. Additionally, regular screening and medical exams can help to catch any early signs of the disease.
With early diagnosis and treatment, the outlook for those with advanced renal cell cancer is often good. Even if the cancer has spread, there are still treatments available to slow the disease's progression. With proper treatment, many people with advanced renal cell cancer live for many years.