March is National Kidney Cancer Awareness Month.
Kidney cancer, also known as renal cell carcinoma, is a type of cancer that develops in the kidneys. Last year, the American Cancer Society estimated that about 81,610 new cases of kidney cancer (52,380 in men and 29,230 in women) were diagnosed and about 14,390 people (9,450 men and 4,940 women) died from this disease in the United States.
Most people with kidney cancer are older, with 65 being the average age when most people are diagnosed. Kidney cancer is about twice as common in men than in women, and it is more common in African American, American Indian, and Alaska Native people.
Other stats of kidney cancer include:
Types:
- Renal cell carcinoma (RCC): The most common type, accounting for about 85% of cases.
- Transitional cell carcinoma: Arises in the lining of the urinary tract, including the kidneys.
- Wilms’ tumor: A rare type that primarily affects children.
Risk Factors:
- Smoking
- Obesity
- High blood pressure
- Family history of kidney cancer
- Exposure to certain chemicals (e.g., arsenic, cadmium)
Symptoms:
Early-stage kidney cancer often has no symptoms. As the cancer progresses, symptoms may include:
- Blood in the urine (hematuria)
- Pain in the side or back
- A lump or mass in the abdomen
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
Diagnosis:
- Physical exam
- Blood tests
- Imaging tests, such as CT scan or MRI
Treatment:
Treatment depends on the stage of the cancer, type of cancer, and overall health of the patient. Options may include:
- Surgery to remove the affected kidney (nephrectomy)
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Targeted therapy
Prognosis:
- The prognosis for kidney cancer depends on several factors, including the stage of the cancer, the type of cancer, and the patient’s overall health.
- Early detection and treatment can significantly improve the chances of survival.
At Louisville CyberKnife, we treat kidney tumors with the CyberKnife Radiosurgery System®. CyberKnife painlessly delivers precise beams of radiation to kidney tumors, without requiring incisions, hospitalization, or a long recovery time. Radiation therapy is a safe and effective treatment option for kidney cancer.
To learn more about how Louisville CyberKnife treats kidney cancer with the CyberKnife system, please contact our center today.