Renal Cell Carcinoma Symptoms

As the name signifies, renal cell carcinoma is a cancer of the kidney organ. Over here, the cancerous cells are concentrated in the inner lining of the proximal tubule. Also referred to as hypernephroma, it may affect one or both kidneys. While exact cause for renal cell cancer is not known, the possible risk factors include kidney dialysis, cystic kidney disease, tuberous sclerosis, family history and chronic smoking. It is the most frequently occurring renal cancer in adults (accounts to about 80 percent cases), and elderly men in the age group 50-70 years are more likely to develop this cancer form.

Symptoms of Renal Cell Carcinoma

As per medical data, more than 50 percent patients develop asymptomatic renal cell carcinoma in specific areas. Thus, the concerning part with this type of kidney cancer is the absence of initial warning signs. Notable symptoms are present, only when the cancerous cells exert pressure on the adjacent parts. Or, patients experience medical problems related to renal cell carcinoma, if cancer is spread to other organs. The commonly manifested signs and symptoms of renal cell cancer are:

• Presence of blood tinge in the urine (hematuria) without pain symptom. About 40-50 percent cases are associated with painless hematuria.
• Feeling pain in the areas above the waistline, especially, on the sides of the abdominal cavity and back. This pain symptom persists for a longer period.
• Changes in appetite and poor appetite are commonly manifested renal cell carcinoma symptoms.
• As a consequence of poor appetite, a patient of renal cell cancer experiences sudden weight loss and increased fatigue. Unexplained weight loss is observed in more than 25 percent patients.
• Another commonly reported sign of renal cell carcinoma is running high temperature. Fever is present in about 9 percent patients of this kidney cancer type.
• In about 45 percent cases, a mass or lump is present on the flank, above the waistline, which can be felt on skin surface. This mass usually increases in size with time.
• Very often, patients of renal cell carcinoma are diagnosed with red blood cell deficiency or anemia. This indicates advanced stage of kidney cancer.
• Other possible symptoms of renal cell cancer include malaise, pale skin, sweating at night, muscle weakness, cold intolerance, vision problem and high blood pressure.

As you see, manifested renal cell carcinoma symptoms mimic other kidney disorders and general health problems. In short, early diagnosis is very rare for renal cell carcinoma. For a metastatic cancer, the clinical manifestations vary significantly from one patient to another. The kiney cancer symptoms depend on which organs are being affected by cancer cells. Say for example, cancer affecting the nerves may result in neuropathy, while aching bone is a referred sign of cancer spreading to the bones.

Treatment for Renal Cell Carcinoma

Most patients of renal cell carcinoma are ignorant of their condition, and diagnosis is done while performing imaging tests for other diseases. By the time, it is identified, cancer cells may be already spread to lungs, liver, lymph nodes, brain and bones. About one-third patients are diagnosed with metastatic kidney cancer. For people with suspected renal cell carcinoma symptoms the doctor may conduct abdominal CT scan, renal arteriography, blood test, liver function test and urinalysis for confirmation. If required, other supportive tests will be suggested to diagnose kidney cancer.

Coming to the therapeutic intervention of renal cell carcinoma, this kidney cancer is non-responsive to the conventional cancer treatment options, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. In a few patients, the medication interleukin-2 gives satisfactory results. However, the most reliable treatment approach is removal of the affected kidney section through a procedure called nephrectomy. Hormonal replacement therapy is also considered for patients, who are not in a position to undergo surgery.

Complete cure is achieved, if renal cell carcinoma is diagnosed in the early stage before spreading to other parts, and all cancer cells are removed surgically. If necessary, the surrounding tissues will be excised to prevent further spreading of cancer. However, the survival rate is generally low for patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma. The overall disease prognosis solely depends on at what stage renal cell cancer is diagnosed and the body's response to treatment strategies.