ALSO KNOWN AS
Kidney cancer, Renal Cell Carcinoma, or Hypernephroma
DESCRIPTION
* The cause of Kidney Cancer is unknown. Cigarette smoking certainly does increase the risk. Rarely, certain genetic (inherited) syndromes increase the risk as well (specifically von Hippel-Lindau syndrome). Those on long-term dialysis may also have increased risk of developing Renal Cell Carcinoma.
SYMPTOMS
* Flank pain
* Flank mass
* Blood in the Urine
HOW THE DIAGNOSIS IS MADE
* Urinanalysis may show microscopic blood
* Intravenous pyelogam (IVP) -- X-Rays taken after the dye is injected
* Ultrasound or CT scan can detect tumors or further delineate tumors
* Chest X-Ray to check for lung metastases
* Bone scans to check for bone metastases
* MRI ordoppler Ultrasound to check for tumor thrombus in realigning the vein and inferior vena cava
TREATMENT
* Surgical removal of the affected kidney (if the tumor is only in the kidney, there is a 90-100% chance of a 5-year survival rate).
* Chemotherapy may be tried in more advanced diseases. Vinblastine, alpha interferon, or inteleukin-2 may be considered.
* If you suspect this condition, seek medical treatment very soon. If this disease is caught early, there is more of a chance for recovery then if it is detected late.
SIMILAR CONDITIONS
* Bladder Cancer
* Angiomyolipomas
* Transitional cell cancers of the renal pelvis
* Adrenal tumors
* Oncocytomas
* Renal abscesses
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