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Kidney Cancer
Kidney cancer, also known as renal cell cancer, is one of the most common cancers in both men and women in the United States. In adults, renal cell carcinoma is the most common type of kidney cancer. Other, less common types of kidney cancer can happen. Young children are more likely to develop a kind of kidney cancer called Wilms tumor.
In Louisiana, kidney cancer is the fifth most common cancer in the state, with around 1,251 new cases found each year. Kidney cancer is most common at ages 60-84, and very uncommon among people younger than age 45.
There are no current recommended screening tests. Kidney cancer can sometimes remain undetected until it reaches an advanced stage. It is important to consult with a primary care provider (PCP) to maintain routine checks, discuss family history, and receive the proper preventive guidance to detect this cancer early.
Signs & Symptoms
- Blood in your urine
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Fever
- Unexplained weight loss
- Pain in your back or side that doesn't go away
Risk Factors & Behaviors
- Older age.
- Smoking tobacco.
- Obesity.
- High blood pressure.
- Certain inherited conditions - including von Hippel-Lindau disease, Birt-Hogg-Dube syndrome, tuberous sclerosis complex, hereditary papillary renal cell carcinoma and familial renal cancer.
- Family history of kidney cancer.
- Exposure to chemicals - including trichloroethylene
- Long-lasting infections
- Long-term consumption of certain medication
There's no definitive way to prevent kidney cancer - but as with most cancers - eating a healthy diet, getting plenty of exercise, maintaining a healthy weight and limiting alcohol use may reduce risk.
Testing
- Blood & urine tests
- Imaging tests
- Biopsy
Treatment Options
- Surgery
- Cryoblation
- Radiofrequency ablation
- Radiation therapy
- Targeted therapy
- Immunotherapy
- Chemotherapy
Local Resources
- https://www.louisianacancercenter.org/
- https://www.kidneyla.org/
- https://www.ochsner.org/services/kidney-cancer