Renal cancer is a type of cancer that affects the kidneys. It may spread to other vital organs and tissues and may be fatal if not detected and treated in its early stages. People suffering from stage IV (final stage) renal cancer have a five-year survival chance of 8%, which is extremely low. It is caused due to the development of a tumor in one or both kidneys. Healthy kidney cells change and grow out of control, spreading to other parts of the body. Renal cell carcinoma is the most common type of renal cancer in adults and accounts for 85% of all cases. Wilms’ tumor affects young children and accounts for 5% of all cases of renal cancer. Early detection and treatment are key to boosting survival chances.
Causes of renal cancer
Unfortunately, the exact cause of renal cancer is unknown. There are several risk factors that increase the chances of an individual from developing the disease. The risk factors for renal cancer are as listed below:
- Obesity
Obesity may lead to renal cancer. The more overweight a person is, the higher is the chance of that person developing the disease. Obesity causes certain hormonal changes, which can lead to renal cell carcinoma. - Smoking
Individuals who have been smoking for a long time are at a greater risk to develop renal cancer. Second-hand smokers may develop the disease if exposed for a long duration of time. The more an individual smokes, the higher is the risk. - High blood pressure
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, may lead to renal cancer. Some studies suggest that the medicine used to treat high blood pressure put a person at a higher risk than others. It is still not clear whether the medicine or the condition itself is responsible for the higher risk factor. - Family history
People with any of their family members suffering from renal cancer are at a higher risk of developing the disease themselves. The risk is highest for those people having sibling suffering from the disease. - Radiation
Women who have been treated for reproductive organ cancer with radiation are at a slightly higher risk to develop renal cancer than others. - Gene mutations
Mutations in certain genes may increase the likelihood of an individual of suffering from renal cancer. Gene mutations can turn off tumor suppressor genes or turn on oncogenes which result in cells growing out of control. - Long-term dialysis treatment
Long-term dialysis treatment may lead to renal cancer. Dialysis refers to the process of cleaning the blood by passing it through a machine. It is generally used when the kidneys are not functioning properly. - Tuberous sclerosis
Tuberous sclerosis may lead to the formation of tumors, mental retardation, and seizures. - Von Hippel-Lindau Disease (VHL)
Von Hippel-Lindau disease is an inherited disorder and may lead to renal cancer. Those who are suffering from this disorder will notice the development of cysts and tumors in different parts of their body. This condition is caused by changes in the VHL gene. People suffering from this condition are at an increased risk of suffering from renal cancer.
