The primary function of the kidneys is to filter the blood. This process is what produces urine. Kidneys regulate electrolytes in the body and help maintain a balance in fluids. The kidneys are also home to the adrenal glands which are responsible for adrenaline production and other things. Although born with two kidneys, one kidney can provide more than adequate functioning for one person. These organs are about the size of a fist and shaped like a kidney bean.
If Kidney Cancer begins to develop, the kidney basically becomes overtaken by malignant or cancerous cells and a tumor will grow. When caught in the early stages the condition is very treatable, usually by surgery. However, many times symptoms are not showing in the early stages. A common form of kidney cancer is renal cell carcinoma , and most instances of kidney cancer are discovered when checking and testing for an unrelated ailment.
Kidney Cancer Symptoms and Treatments
Sometimes kidneys do not function appropriately, but it is important to note you can lose 90 percent of the functioning in a kidney with no manifestation of symptoms. This reduction in functioning can be caused by a number of conditions, one of which is Kidney Cancer.
Some Kidney Cancer symptoms include anemia; swelling in the legs and ankles; blood in your urine; a noticeable lump in your side; unexplained, persistent pain in your side; unexplained, long term fever; reduced appetite and weight loss; elevated blood pressure; and dark, rust-colored urine. The most common symptom is passing blood in the urine, but remember the condition can be asymptomatic.
When Kidney Cancer is discovered in the early stages, often surgery is the best treatment method. If the cancer has spread (metastasized) surgery may be used in conjunction with other treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy. If in stages I or II, the cancer is only in the kidney itself. The stage of cancer is defined by the size of the tumor. For smaller tumors, a partial nephrectomy can be performed.
In treatment for stage I or II the tumor and a small amount of surrounding kidney tissue is removed. In a simple nephrectomy, the kidney is removed, leaving behind the adrenal glands. In a radical nephrectomy, the entire kidney, adrenal glands and some surrounding tissue are removed. The size of the tumor and the level to which the cancer has spread will determine the treatment plan. If the cancer has spread beyond the kidney, it will be in stage III or IV and will possibly require treatment beyond surgery.
Other types of Kidney Cancer treatment options currently available include cryotherapy, radiofrequency ablation, arterial embolization, biologic therapy, targeted therapy, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Some controversial and experimental treatments availabe through clinical trials include stem cell transplants, gene therapy and tumor vaccines.
Kidney Cancer Resources
There is a lot of information availabe on the world wide web for anyone to research a medical condition such as Kidney Cancer. There are lots of sites that explore the current experimental treatments, as well as Kidney Cancer information in general. There is Kidney Cancer medication available and plenty of information online about the effects of the medication. It is important to listen to your doctor, but also always consider a second opinion.
It is important to research Kidney Cancer treatment on your own and educate yourselfas much as possible. The web is a great resource of information on any topic, cancer included. Sites like the American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute are two ideal places on the web for cancer information. And last, be sure to ask your doctor any questions you have regarding the testing, diagnosis and treatment plan. Never leave the doctor feeling as if all your questions have not been answered. It is your body, your life, your kidney. Ask questions and do not be afraid to pursue a second opinion on all of it.
