Renal cell carcinoma is the most common form of kidney cancer. Like most conditions of the same nature, finding it at an early stage will result in a better chance of curing the illness. Renal cell carcinoma staging categorizes the severity of the condition into four stages. Now let's take a close look at it.
What Is Renal Cell Carcinoma?
As mentioned above, renal cell carcinoma is the most common type of kidney cancer that is most commonly seen in old people. The condition is also known as hypernephroma, renal cell adenocarcinoma or renal cell cancer.
There are numerous ways to treat this condition, and doctors and scientists are trying to discover new and inventive treatments. It is important that you speak with your health care professional to determine what treatment is best for you.
Renal Cell Carcinoma Staging
Renal cell carcinoma staging is used to determine the severity of the illness. Information about the four stages of renal cell carcinoma is detailed below:
|
Stage |
Description |
5 Year Survival Rate |
|
I |
Tumor is no bigger than 7cm and is limited to the kidney; there is distant metastasis but no lymph node metastasis. |
81% |
|
II |
Tumor is limited to the kidney, but its dimension is above 7cm. |
74% |
|
III |
Tumor has spread to perinephric tissue, major veins, renal veins or vena cava. |
53% |
|
IV |
Tumor has spread further, beyond the Gerota fascia and possibly into the lungs. |
8% |
How to Diagnose Renal Cell Carcinoma
If you are suspected of having renal cell carcinoma once you have spoken with your doctor about your symptoms and medical history, then a number of tests can be carried out to determine whether you have the illness or not. These tests may include blood test, urine test, test on liver functionality, ultrasound examination, CT scan and nephrectomy.
If it is determined by your doctor that you do have renal cell carcinoma, they will try to determine what stage you are currently at, which will help to determine the best treatment options. In order to get a clear idea of the severity of the illness, your health care professional may use a chest X-ray, CT scan, MRI or bone scan.
How to Treat Renal Cell Carcinoma
Renal cell carcinoma can produce numerous symptoms including blood in urine, abdominal and back pain, swelling, weight loss, problems with vision and pale skin. If the condition is left untreated, then it may get far worse and significantly lower your survival rate.
since we have known the renal cell carcinoma staging, now let's see its how to treat this condition. The treatment offered by your doctor depends on the stage of the illness, your health condition, and possible side effects of specific treatment. Some treatment methods commonly used are detailed below:
- A surgical procedure may be carried out to remove all or part of the kidney.
- Biological drugs boost your own immune system to defense and fight cancer cells.
- Targeted therapy attacks the resources within the body that the cancer cells need to survive, such as a tumor's blood vessels or specific proteins.
- Ablation uses extreme cold or radio waves to eradicate tumors.
- Many types of cancer are often treated with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or sometimes a combination of them both. Although these treatments are usually ineffective in treating renal cell carcinoma, they may be used to treat renal cell carcinoma if other treatments have failed to work.
Remember to always speak with your doctor if you have any concerns, if you feel any pain, or if you feel uncomfortable with any of the treatment methods. This will help you to make the best treatment plan for you.