Types of Cancer
Kidney
Kidney or renal cancer originates in the kidney which are two bean-shaped organs that are located in the upper abdomen with one kidney on each side of the spine. The kidneys’ job includes removing waste like excess salts and fluids from the body, and filtering blood. Kidney cancer commonly start in small tubes of the kidney called renal tubes. The increased use of CT scans is a possible reason for discovering kidney cancers more often. When identified early, the cancer is small and isolated to the kidney.
What you should know
Kidney cancer like many other cancers have increased risk with age. Smoking, obesity including high blood pressure tend to increase risk factors as well. Hereditary factors like close family members having the disease including being born with inherited syndromes like von Hippel-Lindau disease and tuberous sclerosis complex also add to one’s risk. Lifestyle factors like healthy eating and exercising to manage blood pressure can aid in reducing risk factors.
Symptoms to look for include blood in the urine or the urine appearing pink or cola colored. People also report fever, tiredness, weight loss, loss of appetite, and side or back pain that lingers.
Therapies
Surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy are common conventional treatments for kidney/renal cancer which can be very aggressive on the body. Other less invasive therapies to consider include more innovative methods that include immunotherapies. Schedule a consult with our medical staff to better understand how Dayspring Cancer Clinic can help you with your therapy options.