Kidney Cancer!
Kidney cancer is a serious disease that can be difficult to detect early. This guide covers the basics of kidney cancer, its symptoms, treatment options, and the courageous story of Niki Ridge, a mother fighting the disease.
What is Kidney Cancer?
Definition and Types
- Kidney Cancer: Also known as renal cancer, it starts in the kidneys, which filter blood and produce urine.
- Types: The most common type is renal cell carcinoma, which accounts for about 80% of kidney cancers and originates in the kidney’s filtering units called nephrons.
Source: Cancer Research UK
Symptoms of Kidney Cancer
Common Symptoms:
- Late Symptoms: Usually appear in advanced stages, making early detection difficult.
- Night Sweats: Excessive sweating during the night.
- Persistent Cough: Continuous coughing without a clear cause.
- Back or Side Pain: Pain around the kidney area.
- Blood in Urine: Noticeable blood or discoloration in urine.
- Weight Loss: Unexplained loss of weight.
Easily Missed Symptoms:
- Low-Grade Fever: Mild fever that can be mistaken for other illnesses.
- Tiredness: Constant fatigue.
- Lower Back Pain: Pain in the lower back, often attributed to other causes.
Source: Dr. Ngo Chang-chung, CUHK Medical Centre
How is Kidney Cancer Diagnosed?
Diagnostic Tools:
- Ultrasound: Often used during routine check-ups to identify abnormalities.
- CAT Scans: Provide detailed images of the kidneys and are essential for diagnosing kidney cancer.
Incidental Findings:
- Statistics: A study showed that 60% of kidney cancer cases are discovered incidentally during scans for other medical issues. Early-stage (stage 1a) cases are mostly found this way.
Source: The BMJ Study
Risk Factors for Kidney Cancer
Common Risk Factors: (Blook Pressure)
- Smoking: Increases the risk of kidney disease.
- Obesity: Linked to higher chances of getting the disease.
- Hypertension: High blood pressure can contribute to kidney cancer.
- Family History: A family history of kidney cancer can raise the risk.
Source: National Cancer Institute
Treatment Options for Kidney Cancer
Traditional Treatments:
- Surgery: Removing the tumor or the entire kidney if necessary.
- Partial Nephrectomy: Removing part of the kidney to preserve as much healthy tissue as possible.
- Radiation Therapy: Utilizing high-energy beams to obliterate disease cells.
Modern Treatments: (Cancer Cells)
- Immunotherapy: Uses the body’s immune system to fight cancer.
- Drugs: Nivolumab and ipilimumab are examples used in treatment.
- Targeted Therapy: Drugs that target specific parts of cancer cells.
Emerging Options:
- Ablation: Using needles to freeze or microwave the tumor to kill it while preserving the kidney.
Source: Cancer Research UK
Niki Ridge’s Journey with Kidney Cancer
Initial Symptoms:
- Night Sweats and Cough: Initially attributed to hormone replacement therapy for menopause.
Discovery:
- Diagnosis: A chest X-ray and CAT scan revealed a 10 cm tumor in her kidney, and tumors on her ribs, spine, and later, her lungs and brain.
Treatment:
- Immunotherapy: Chosen as the best option since the cancer had spread to multiple areas. Niki began treatments with drugs like nivolumab and ipilimumab.
- Success: Her breast tumor disappeared within six months of starting immunotherapy, and the brain tumor was successfully removed surgically.
Current Status:
- Stable Condition: No progression of the disease, and Niki continues immunotherapy treatments every four weeks.
- Mental Health: Initially struggled but now finds support in virtual cancer groups and has strong support from friends and family.
Niki’s Words:
- Positivity: “I had no idea that people like me existed, that you could live with advanced cancer and be able to live well.”
Source: Niki Ridge’s Story 
Conclusion
Kidney cancer is a challenging disease with subtle early symptoms. Understanding the risk factors, diagnostic methods, and treatment options is crucial. Niki Ridge’s inspiring journey highlights the potential of modern treatments like immunotherapy in managing even advanced cases of kidney cancer.
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