Kidney Cancer - Recognize the Causes, Symptoms, Risk Factors, and Treatment

Kapanlagi.com - The news of the passing of Indonesian singer Vidi Aldiano on March 7, 2026, due to kidney cancer, reminds the public of the dangers of this disease. Kidney cancer is a disease that occurs when cells in the kidney organ grow abnormally and uncontrollably. This condition can form tumors that have the potential to spread to other tissues or organs in the body.

The kidneys themselves play an important role in the human body. This organ functions to filter metabolic waste from the blood and excrete it through urine, while also producing important hormones such as renin to control blood pressure and erythropoietin for the formation of red blood cells.

Early detection is a crucial factor in the treatment of kidney cancer. If this disease is identified early and receives the appropriate therapy promptly, the chances of patient recovery can increase, although the success of treatment is also influenced by the type of cancer, age, and health condition of the patient.

1. Understanding Kidney Cancer and Its Types

the kidney organ showing the location of tumor emergence due to abnormal cell growth (credit:unsplash.com/@averey)

Kidney cancer occurs when abnormal cells develop in the kidney tissue and form a tumor. This condition can disrupt the kidney's function, which plays an important role in filtering waste from the blood.

Based on its characteristics, kidney cancer is divided into several types that have different cell origins. These types can occur in both adults and children.

Types of kidney cancer include:

• Renal cell carcinoma: The most common type of kidney cancer in adults. This cancer originates from the lining of the kidney tubules that function to transport bodily fluids to the kidney.
• Urothelial carcinoma: This cancer starts from the renal pelvis and originates from the same cells as bladder cancer. Treatment often uses methods similar to those used for bladder cancer.
• Kidney sarcoma: A very rare type of cancer that originates from the connective tissue around the kidney. Its development can affect the supporting tissue of the organ.
• Wilms tumor: The most common type of kidney cancer in children, typically diagnosed in children under the age of 10.

2. Causes of Kidney Cancer Begin with Genetic Mutations

Changes in genes in kidney cells can trigger cell growth (credit:unsplash.com/@averey)

Kidney cancer occurs due to mutations or changes in the genes of kidney cells. These mutations cause the cells to grow abnormally and develop uncontrollably. The abnormal cells then form tumors that can enlarge in the kidney. Under certain conditions, the tumors can spread to other organs in the body.

Factors suspected to trigger cell mutations include:

• smoking habits
• hypertension or high blood pressure
• obesity or being overweight
• family history of kidney cancer
• age over 50
• undergoing long-term kidney failure treatment such as dialysis
• exposure to certain chemicals such as trichloroethylene
• genetic diseases such as Von Hippel-Lindau syndrome
• male gender has a higher risk

3. Symptoms of Kidney Cancer to Watch Out For

In the early stages of the disease, kidney cancer often does not cause clear symptoms. Symptoms usually only appear when the tumor begins to grow or the disease enters an advanced stage.

This condition makes many patients only realize their illness after complaints begin to arise. Therefore, recognizing the symptoms becomes important.

Some symptoms of kidney cancer that may appear include:

• blood in the urine or hematuria
• pain in the lower back or waist
• lumps around the abdomen or waist
• persistent fever
• excessive sweating, especially at night
• weight loss without clear reason
• loss of appetite
• feeling weak and easily tired
• anemia or a deficiency of red blood cells

4. Stages of Kidney Cancer Diagnosis

A medical examination is conducted to confirm the presence of a tumor in the kidney (credit:unsplash.com/@julientromeur)

If someone experiences suspicious symptoms, the doctor will conduct medical examinations to confirm the condition of the kidneys. The examination begins with an interview regarding complaints, medical history, and physical examination.

To obtain a more accurate diagnosis, the doctor will perform various supporting examinations. These examinations help to assess the condition of the kidneys and confirm the presence of cancer cells.

Some methods of diagnosing kidney cancer include:

• Urine test: Conducted to detect the presence of blood or infection in the urine.
• Blood test: Used to measure the number of red blood cells and evaluate kidney function.
• Kidney ultrasound: An examination using sound waves to see if there are masses or tumors in the kidneys.
• CT scan or MRI: Used to see the condition of the kidneys in more detail and assess the possibility of cancer spread.
• Kidney biopsy: A sample of kidney tissue is taken for laboratory examination to confirm the presence of cancer cells.

5. Options for Kidney Cancer Treatment

The methods for treating kidney cancer are tailored to the stage of the disease, the size of the tumor, and the overall health condition of the patient. The treatment also aims to control the progression of cancer cells.

There are several therapeutic methods that doctors can use to manage kidney cancer.

Treatment options for kidney cancer include:

• Surgery: This procedure is the most commonly performed method, especially in the early stages. Surgery can involve partial nephrectomy to remove part of the kidney or radical nephrectomy to remove the entire kidney affected by cancer.
• Ablation therapy: This is done by destroying cancer cells using liquid nitrogen or radiofrequency waves.
• Embolization: This procedure aims to reduce blood supply to cancer cells, thereby inhibiting tumor growth.
• Radiotherapy: Therapy using high-energy X-rays to help control the growth of cancer cells.
• Targeted therapy: Treatment using specific medications such as sunitinib, pazopanib, sorafenib, everolimus, or temsirolimus that work to inhibit the growth of cancer cells.

6. Popular Q&A About Kidney Cancer

Q: What is the main cause of kidney cancer?
A: Kidney cancer occurs due to genetic mutations in kidney cells that lead to abnormal and uncontrolled cell growth, forming tumors.

Q: Does kidney cancer have symptoms in the early stages?
A: In the early stages, kidney cancer usually does not cause symptoms. Symptoms appear only when the tumor begins to grow or the disease progresses to an advanced stage.

Q: Who is at risk of developing kidney cancer?
A: The risk of kidney cancer increases in smokers, individuals with hypertension, obesity, those with a family history of kidney cancer, and individuals exposed to certain chemicals.

Q: How is kidney cancer detected?
A: The diagnosis of kidney cancer is made through medical examinations such as blood tests, urine tests, ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, and kidney tissue biopsy.

Q: What are the treatments for kidney cancer?
A: Some methods for treating kidney cancer include tumor or kidney removal surgery, ablation therapy, embolization, radiation therapy, and targeted therapy using specific drugs.

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(kpl/vna)