When someone is diagnosed with kidney cancer, they may experience shock, fear and confusion. Unfortunately, kidney cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in adults, affecting around 61,560 people in the United States each year.

Kidney cancer develops quite slowly, sometimes forming over several years before it is noticed. A person may not even know they have cancer until a routine medical examination reveals it. There are two main types of kidney cancer, categorized by the individual cells in which the cancer starts to grow. The most common type is renal cell carcinoma, which starts in the kidney’s lining cells and accounts for around 75-85% of all kidney cancer cases. The second type is called transitional cell cancer, and develops further down in the urinary tract organs like the ureters, bladder and urethra.

The exact cause of kidney cancer is unclear, although it’s believed there are certain lifestyle factors and environmental factors that can increase one’s risk, such as smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, and family history of the condition. Symptoms of kidney cancer can include blood or protein in the urine, persistent pain in the side of the body, a lump in the abdomen, or unexplained weight loss, among other things.

The treatment of kidney cancer depends on its stage and prognosis. Treatment options commonly include surgical removal of the tumor, chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy. Surgery is the most common treatment and usually involves removing the entire kidney (known as a radical nephrectomy) or just the tumor (a partial nephrectomy). The remaining kidney will still be able to function.

In many cases, kidney cancer is curable. It is important that diagnosis is prompt and treatment is undertaken swiftly. Early diagnosis is key to improving prognosis. If you are experiencing any symptoms that could be indicative of kidney cancer, make an appointment with your doctor for further examination.

Be informed, be proactive, and stay healthy.