Causes of Renal Cancer

Written by Zou De Bo
Urology
Updated on September 27, 2024
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The cause of kidney cancer is unknown, but possible factors include: First, smoking, which is a relative risk factor for kidney cancer. Second, obesity and hypertension. Third, occupation, with reports indicating that long-term exposure to metallic lead, print industry workers, coke workers, and workers shows increased risks of incidence and mortality from kidney cancer. Fourth, radiation, where long-term exposure to certain sources of radiation may increase the risk of kidney cancer. Fifth, there is a certain relation to genetics. Sixth, dietary factors, as studies have found that high intake of dairy products, animal protein, and fat, and low intake of fruits and vegetables, are also risk factors for kidney cancer.

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Written by Zou De Bo
Urology
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What are the characteristic symptoms of kidney cancer?

Most kidney cancer patients are discovered during health check-ups, and these patients may account for over 50%-60% of all kidney cancer cases. Among those with symptoms, the most common symptoms are lower back pain and blood in urine. A few patients also present with abdominal masses. 10%-40% of patients can exhibit paraneoplastic syndromes, manifested as high blood pressure, anemia, weight loss, cachexia, fever, abnormal liver function, hyperglycemia, increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and other changes. Additionally, symptoms such as bone pain, fractures, cough, and coughing blood can occur due to tumor metastasis.

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Written by Zhou Qi
Nephrology
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Can kidney cancer patients be contagious?

Kidney cancer is not an infectious disease, so it is not contagious. Kidney cancer actually occurs when carcinogenic changes happen in the epithelial cells of the renal tubules, leading to the formation of masses and blood in the urine within the kidneys, and can even cause kidney failure. Moreover, kidney cancer carries a certain risk of metastasis, potentially causing damage to other organs. This disease is not contagious. The so-called infectiousness of a disease is due to the presence of pathogens that can cause infection. For example, hepatitis B can be transmitted because carriers have the hepatitis B virus in their bodies. Kidney cancer, however, does not involve viruses, bacteria, or fungi, so it is not infectious.

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Written by Zhou Qi
Nephrology
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Can renal cancer be detected by ultrasound?

Ultrasound is a type of imaging examination that can observe the size, shape, structure, texture, and the presence of masses in the organs being examined. It can be used to determine if a patient potentially has kidney-related masses, such as differentiating between a kidney cyst and kidney cancer based on differences in shape and blood supply that malignant tumors typically exhibit compared to other conditions. However, using ultrasound to diagnose kidney cancer can be inaccurate, particularly in the early stages of the disease when ultrasound may not provide a clear view, and some complex cases of kidney cancer may still be indeterminate. Therefore, patients might consider undergoing an enhanced CT scan, which offers a higher diagnostic accuracy. Additionally, a kidney biopsy and pathological examination might be necessary for a definitive diagnosis.

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Written by Zou De Bo
Urology
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Is kidney cancer prone to metastasis?

Kidney cancer in its early stages generally does not metastasize. If it does metastasize, it usually follows several paths: one is hematogenous or lymphatic spread, followed by local diffusion, and then the tumor invades surrounding fat or blood vessels, which is local diffusion. It is also important to note that there is a pseudo-capsule around the kidney cancer that prevents the spread of cancer cells. Metastasis is not likely when the tumor is small, but as the tumor size increases or in some special types of tumor cells, metastasis may occur.

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Written by Zou De Bo
Urology
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Post-nephrectomy care for renal cancer

Postoperative care measures for kidney cancer primarily include observing the patient's vital signs. After a radical nephrectomy for a large renal tumor, a significant amount of tissue is removed including the kidney, surrounding adrenal fat, and lymph nodes at the renal hilum, which results in larger surgical wounds and potentially more bleeding. Therefore, it is crucial to closely monitor for signs of bleeding and ensure that transfusions and fluid administrations are unobstructed. Secondly, careful observation and management of the wound drainage tubes are required. Thirdly, for radical nephrectomies, once the patient is past the anesthesia phase and the blood pressure is stable, a semi-reclined position can be adopted. Patients who have undergone partial nephrectomy should remain in bed for one to two weeks to prevent further bleeding, and kidney functions should be monitored. Additionally, attention should be paid to symptoms such as breath holding and difficulty in breathing. Postoperative feeding should commence once gastrointestinal function is restored; thereafter, nutrition should be enhanced to boost bodily resistance. Calming medications may be appropriately used to ease pain, facilitating movement, effective coughing, and expectoration.