What Is Kidney Cancer?
Also called renal cancer or renal cell carcinoma, kidney cancer is a type of cancer that affects the kidneys. It is more common in older people, particularly those in their 60s and 70s [1]. It is much rarer in young people and middle-aged adults.
The kidneys are a pair of bean-shaped organs located at the sides of the lower back, between the ribs and hips. Their activities control a lot of body functions but their main job is waste filtration from the blood and the creation of urine. They also help in red blood cell formation and blood pressure regulation.
When these kidneys are affected by cancer, their ability to perform these tasks reduces, and many organs in the body suffer. Renal cell carcinoma is the most common type of kidney cancer, although there are other types. If the cancer is caught early, it can be cured. Treating kidney cancer that has spread to other organs in the body is extremely difficult.
Kidney cancer does not cause any symptoms in its early stages. If it is caught this early, it is usually through during routine imaging tests or tests for other health conditions. Symptoms only begin to show when the cancer has advanced and there is significant damage to the kidneys. The symptoms may sometimes be mistaken for other more benign conditions like kidney stones or urinary tract infections. This article explains the symptoms you are likely to experience if you have kidney cancer.