Although early diagnosis and treatment may be possible through screening methods for some cancers, unfortunately there is currently no reliable method for screening kidney cancer. (Image: Shutterstock)
Read on to find out what kidney cancer entails and the different types of cancer that can haunt the human body
Cancer Awareness Month: Although technology is getting better every day, human health is getting weaker as the days go by. While humans may have most of the things needed to combat any impact, there are certain types of medical problems that defy understanding. Cancer is one of those medical conditions that can be tackled with technology, but there is so much more involved that even the greatest science can fall short.
Kidney cancer is something that not many people know about and that is why it is extremely important to at least understand the types that exist. Understanding a disease as complicated as kidney cancer and its types can be very complicated, but it is important that you do so. However, before knowing the types and what they involve, it’s important to understand what kidney cancer is.
Understanding kidney cancer
Dr. Tushar Patil, senior consultant medical oncologist, Sahyadri Super Specialty Hospital, Deccan Gymkhana, Pune, says, “Types of kidney cancer include cancers of the kidneys and a gland called the suprarenal or adrenal gland, which is located just above the kidneys. kidney. Kidney cancers are divided into two types: the clear cell type and the non-clear cell type. The clear cell type is the most common, while non-clear cell types are less common. The unusual or unclear types, then subdivided into chromophobe or papillary, a total of three or four known types.
“It is important for us to understand these classifications because the surgical treatment is the same, but the medical treatment, including targeted therapy or immunotherapy, can vary slightly when it comes to the clear and non-clear types. The cancers associated with the adrenal gland, which is located above the kidney and also called the adrenal gland, are completely different. They may secrete hormones or not, and the treatment is also significantly different from kidney cancer,” he added.
The doctor talked about how when considering the factors that contribute to renal cell cancer, it becomes clear that smoking is the most important and common risk factor. In addition, there are other common causes of kidney cancer, including lifestyle choices and exposure to certain chemicals. Additionally, a percentage of kidney cancer cases are linked to family history and genetic predisposition, which can result in an increased chance of developing other types of tumors.
Research shows that kidney cancer usually grows slowly. It does not develop overnight and they are not very aggressive. Kidney cancers may respond less or even not to traditional cytotoxic chemotherapy. There are two known mechanisms of cancer pathogenesis in kidney cancer: angiogenesis, which involves blood vessel proliferation, and immune-mediated mechanisms. Systemic treatments currently in use take advantage of these mechanisms.
Dr. Patil also said, “As far as surgical treatment of kidney cancer is concerned, the approach remains the same for large tumors, usually involving radical methods, which entail complete removal of the affected kidney along with the tumor itself. However, for patients with small tumors or those where this is appropriate, nephron-sparing surgery is an option. This procedure removes only the diseased part of the kidney, preserving kidney function as much as possible. Nephron-sparing surgeries are feasible in the current medical era.”
Types of kidney cancer
Dr. Sajjan Rajpurohit, senior director of medical oncology, Max Super Specialty Hospital, Shalimar Bagh, said, “Kidney cancer occurs when the cells in the kidneys start growing uncontrollably. It can manifest in different forms, each with its unique characteristics.”
- Clear cell renal cell carcinoma
One of the most common types of kidney cancer is Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma (CCRCC). Dr. Rajpurohit explains that CCRCC typically accounts for about 70-75% of kidney cancer cases. He emphasizes the need for early detection and its various treatment approaches. - Papillary renal cell carcinoma
Papillary renal cell carcinoma is another common type. This cancer is characterized by the growth of small, finger-like projections within the tumor. specific subtype. - Chromophobic renal cell carcinoma
Chromophobe renal cell carcinoma is a rarer form, accounting for only about 5% of kidney cancer cases. - Renal oncocytoma
Although not malignant, renal oncocytoma can be difficult to distinguish from cancerous tumors.
Diagnosis and treatment options
Regular check-ups are crucial for the early detection and appropriate treatment of kidney cancer. Dr. Rajpurohit shares that there are several diagnostic methods including imaging, biopsy and genetic testing to diagnose and treat kidney cancer.
Surgery is often the primary treatment for kidney cancer. Dr. Rajpurohit says the surgical options include nephrectomy and partial nephrectomy.
