The kidneys are the two bean shaped organs located behind the abdominal muscles on each side of the spine. Kidney cancer, occurs in these very organs, and is caused by abnormal cell growth. The most frequent form of this cancer occurs as whats called renal cell carcinoma (cancer cells that begin in the tubes of the kidney). Children, however, are more likely to develop a cancer known as Wilm's tumor (a form of cancer often caused by genetic conditions or birth defects). According to the American Cancer Society, over 50,000 people are diagnosed every year with some form of kidney cancer.
Signs and Symptoms:
Unlike many other cancers, kidney cancer does not always have obvious or troublesome symptoms in the early stages. However, here are some of the more common signs and symptoms to look for especially towards the later stages of the cancer:
- Weight loss
- Feelings of energy deprivation or fatigue
- Persistent back pain below the ribs
- Intermittent or recurrent fevers
- Lumps in the kidney area
- Loss of appetite
Diagnosis and Screening:
To begin the diagnosis, a physician will often start by examining the patients medical history and than proceed with a physical exam. Blood and urine samples may also be taken. The doctor may also check for lumps or unusual protrusions in the kidney area. Lastly, a number of tests may be performed to check for cancerous cells:
- Abdomen Sonography - This procedure utilizes sound waves, which are bounced off of the kidney to create an image known as a sonogram.
- CT Scan - A CT scan requires the use of an x-ray machine and a computer that takes a series of pictures inside the body from various angles. This method is also known more formally as computerized tomography.
- Magnetic Resource Imaging (MRI) - In this procedure a magnet linked with a computer creates detailed images of areas within the body.
After testing, the doctor should be able to diagnose and determine the stage of the cancer. However, additional testing may need to be conducted to determine the severity and growth of the tumor.
Symptoms Of Kidney Cancer
When it comes to cancer, many individuals automatically think of lung cancer or breast cancer. Although lung cancer and breast cancer are the most commonly diagnosed types of cancer, they are not the only types of cancer that you need to be concerned with. In fact, you should also be concerned with kidney cancer. Kidney cancer, like many other forms of cancer, comes in a number of different forms. One of the most commonly diagnosed forms includes renal cell carcinoma.
With Renal cell carcinoma cancer, as well as many other forms of cancer, diagnosis is the key. Without being diagnosed, many individuals are unaware that they even have kidney cancer. Kidney cancer, if diagnosed in the early stages, is treatable. However, to be treated in the early stages detection is important. The best way to prevent yourself from developing a fatal case of kidney cancer is to familiarize yourself with kidney cancer symptoms.
Common kidney symptoms include unusual colored urine, bloody urine, weight loss, a swelled abdomen, and abdominal, back, and flank pain. In the event that you display any of these kidney cancer symptoms, especially a combination of symptoms, you are advised to contact your healthcare professional immediately. Once your physician is aware of your symptom displays, it is likely that he or she will order a wide variety of different tests. These tests may include, but are not always limited to, a CBC, urine tests, a SGTP, liver tests, and kidney x-rays. Once a diagnosis has been made, you and your physician should work together to decide on the next course of action.
Knowing the above mentioned kidney cancer symptoms is one of the best ways to treat and diagnose kidney cancer, including renal cell carcinoma; however, it is not always enough. In addition to familiarizing yourself and keeping yourself up-to-date on common kidney cancer symptoms, you are advised to keep a close eye on your body and your overall health. The above mentioned symptoms make it possible to know what to look for, but it is important that you look.
One of the many reasons why it is important to not only know the most common kidney cancer symptoms, but also apply them to your body and your health, is because not all healthcare professionals will do it for you. Each year, in the Untied States, thousands of cases of kidney cancer are diagnosed. While that number may seem high, it is only a small percentage of the population. For that reason, many healthcare professionals will not consider kidney disease without your urging. Therefore, you will need to on the lookout for the display of symptoms.
When it comes to seeking professional assistance, from a healthcare professional, there are many individuals who do not. This is because many are actually unsure as to whether or not they are displaying the symptoms of kidney cancer. Many kidney cancer symptoms are also symptoms caused by other health problems. Whether you feel that you have kidney cancer or not, it is still advised that you seek professional assistance. As previously mentioned, abnormal urine colors, bloody urine, and abdominal swelling are all common kidney cancer symptoms. Whether or not you have kidney cancer, these are serious health issues that need to be addressed.
At the current moment, there is no exact cause for kidney cancer; although there has been a connection made between smoking and cancer. There is also the increased risk of kidney cancer if one or more of your family members have been diagnosed with it. Although it is always important to be on the lookout for the above mentioned kidney cancer symptoms, you should be even more cautious is you are at an elevated risk for developing this disease.
Both Robert Thomson & Gina Sarento are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Robert Thomson has sinced written about articles on various topics from Personal Desktop, Finances and Pets. Robert is the writer of a website with and information. For more information such as. Robert Thomson's top article generates over 450000 views. to your Favourites.
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