At what age is kidney cancer most common?
Kidney cancer is most common in people over the age of 50. However, the disease can also occur at younger ages. Since the risk increases with age, regular screenings are recommended after the age of 40.
What is kidney cancer?
Kidney cancer is a serious condition in which kidney cells grow uncontrollably and form tumors.The kidneys are vital organs responsible for regulating the body’s fluid balance and removing toxins. Therefore, if this disease is not detected at an early stage, it can pose significant health risks. A kidney tumor may remain confined to the kidney or spread (metastasize) to other organs in the body.
Main symptoms of kidney cancer
Kidney cancer often does not cause symptoms in its early stages, but certain symptoms may indicate the disease:
- Blood in the urine - This is the most common symptom. The urine may appear red or dark in color.
- Pain in the lower back or side - Persistent and unexplained pain may be experienced in these areas.
- A mass or swelling in the kidney area - In some cases, the tumor can be felt upon examination.
- Fatigue and loss of appetite - General weakness and reduced energy levels may be experienced.
- Unexplained weight loss - Losing weight without a known cause can also be a warning sign.
If any of these symptoms occur, it is important to consult a doctor.
Diagnostic methods
Kidney cancer is diagnosed using various methods and varies depending on the patient's condition:
- Ultrasonography - asimple and initial method to detect tumors or abnormalities in the kidneys.
- Computed Tomography (CT) - provides precise information about the size of the tumor and its spread.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) - gives detailed information about the tumor’s location and surrounding tissues.
- Urine and blood tests - used to assess kidney function and monitor the impact of the tumor.
Early diagnosis increases the chances of success in treating kidney cancer.
Treatment methods
Kidney cancer treatment varies depending on the size of the tumor, its stage, and the patient's overall health:
- Surgery - removal of the tumor or the entire kidney is the most common treatment.
- Radiotherapy - destroys tumor cells and stops their growth.
- Immunotherapy - fights cancer cells by strengthening the body’s immune system.
- Targeted therapy and chemotherapy - treat by targeting specific cells in the tumor.
- Active surveillance - for small and slow-growing tumors, doctors monitor the condition with regular check-ups, and immediate treatment may not be necessary.
The choice of treatment is determined after a detailed discussion between the doctor and the patient. Early intervention and regular check-ups help ensure successful management of the disease.