One of the most common forms of kidney cancer, renal cell carcinoma or renal cancer is mostly observed in adults. The cause of this cancer is not known. However, there are certain risk factors that make a person more susceptible to renal cancer. These include smoking, obesity, hypertension, and family history of cancer. People on long-term dialysis for the treatment of chronic kidney failure may also develop renal cell carcinoma. Prolonged exposure to certain substances such as cadmium can also lead to renal cancer.

Once the tumors start developing, the initial symptoms start manifesting. One can observe blood in the urine. There can be a constant pain in the back or side. Some may experience a loss of appetite with unexplained weight loss. There can be a constant feeling of fatigue and intermittent fever. The count of red blood cells also decreases leading to anemia. Early diagnosis of these symptoms can help to start treatment earlier. There are multiple treatment options available. Here are some of the treatments and procedures usually recommended for renal cancer.

• Nephrectomy : This surgical procedure involves the removal of the entire affected kidney, a part of the healthy tissues, nearby lymph nodes, and adrenal gland. This procedure is usually done by making a single incision on the side or in the abdomen. In some cases, it may be carried out through laparoscopic by making a series of smaller incisions in the abdominal region.
• Partial nephrectomy : This procedure is also known as kidney-sparing surgery or nephron-sparing surgery. In this, the tumor is removed, and a small part of the healthy tissue is also removed. It is done through a single incision, in which case it becomes an open procedure. It can be also done through laparoscopy or through robotic assistance. Partial nephrectomy is one of the most common renal cancer treatments and is usually preferred over complete nephrectomy.
• Cryoablation : In this procedure, a hollow needle is inserted into the skin and in the kidney tumor. The tumor is located using ultrasound imaging. Cold gas is passed through the needle to freeze or cool down the cancerous cells.
• Radiofrequency ablation : This is similar to cryoablation. But instead of cold gas, electrical current is used to destroy the cancerous cell by heating or burning them up.
• Biological therapy : Also known as immunotherapy, this form of treatment uses the immune system to fight the cancerous cells. Medications such as aldesleukin and interferon are used to boost the immune system and destroy the cancer cells.
• Targeted therapy : With targeted treatments, abnormal signals in the kidney cancer cells are blocked. These signals help the cancerous cells to multiply. Medications are used to target and arrest the growth of blood vessels that allow the cancer cells to survive and spread.
• Radiation therapy : In this therapy, high-powered beams of energy are used to kill renal cancer cells. In many cases, this therapy is used to control the spread of cancer to other parts of the body.