KIDNEY CANCER - RENAL CELL CANCER
Cause of Kidney Cancer
Cancer of the kidneys is also known by other medical names, namely, renal adenocarcinoma cancer or renal cell cancer. A person develops kidney cancer because kidney tubules become the site of growth of malignant cancerous cells. These small kidney tubules were meant to act as blood's filtering and purification system in the kidney, wherein unwanted products are sieved out and dumped into the urine which is then sent to the bladder.
Screening for Kidney Cancer
A doctor will often physically examine the patient to look for signs in the kidney of renal cell cancer. He may order blood chemistry tests to check for the presence of certain products in the blood which would show if the kidney is functioning, as well as urine analysis. Ultrasound and CT scans, MRIs and biopsy tests may also be used.
A patient can expect the odds for a good prognosis to be dependent on his age and general state of health. To predict the likelihood of recovery from kidney cancer, a doctor has to basically identify what stage the cancer is in upon diagnosis. The rule is, the earlier cancer is detected, the better - because treatment can start earlier, improving the probability of recovery. A misdiagnosis or a delay in diagnosing the cancer will heighten the odds that the patient will die from the kidney cancer.
Intravenous Pyelogram
The intravenous pyelogram procedure is frequently employed by doctors to check for renal cell cancer. This means that the kidneys, bladder and ureters will undergo multiple x-rays to check if the cancer is present in those organs. The route that blood takes within veins and the organs can
be traced with a "contrast dye" which will show any obstructions.
Liver Function Test
The liver function test is another tool used which will gauge the amount of enzymes within the blood. The enzymes originate from the liver. If the test indicates a higher-than-normal amount of liver enzymes, then it is possible that the kidney cancer has reached the liver.
Spread of Kidney Cancer
It is uncertain what triggers the growth of cancer cells in the kidneys. However, in certain rare genetic conditions, kidney cancer has been known to be present. Another type of kidney cancer that exists is transitional cell cancer. It differs from renal cell cancer since renal cell cancer is localised within the main body of the kidney, while transitional cell cancer affects the ureters or the pelvis. (The ureter is the tube linking the kidney to the bladder.) The ureters act as the drainage system of the kidneys.
Symptoms of Kidney Cancer
Both renal cell cancer and transitional cell cancer are perceived to be illnesses that afflict the elderly because they generally appear after the age of 50. Their symptoms are similar: victims of both cancers find blood in their urine and experience pain in their sides. Renal cell cancer victims may also suffer from fever, loss of appetite and corresponding loss of weight.
Treatment of Kidney Cancer
To treat cancer of the kidneys, the doctor may recommend surgery to take out the cancerous tissue and surrounding affected tissues. Surgical advances now aim to preserve as much of the kidney tissue as possible.
Medical Negligence
As with all cancers the key to sucessful treatment is early diagnosis. If your doctor has missed key signs or mis-diagnosed or failed to diagnose this cancer and you have suffered or lost the chance of a cure as a result then you may have a claim for compensation for medical negligence.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
This website is for information only and does not contain medical or legal advice which should only be obtained from a qualified professional person. This website does not recommend any individual medical or legal professionals and does not refer matters on to any medical or legal professionals. This website is not intended to endorse any person, association or firm.
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