Renal cancer is also known as kidney cancer, renal cell carcinoma, hypernephroma or renal adenocarcinoma is one of the most common cancers found in adults. Renal carcinoma may be treated if diagnosed in the early stages. However, it is a serious disease and requires adequate care and treatment.

The kidneys have an important function of filtering out waste materials and toxins from the body. It consists of tiny tubules that filter the wastes from the blood and converts it into the urine. Renal cancer is the result of the growth and uncontrollable multiplication of cancer cells in the lining of these tubules. Renal cancer is known to spread very quickly to the surrounding organs as well as the lungs.

Causes of renal cancer
Although scientists have not been able to find out what causes renal cancer, they believe that a genetic defect in the kidneys may kickstart it. However, there are several other risk factors that can possibly lead to renal cancer:

• Obesity
  People who are obese are at a higher risk of getting renal cancer. Obesity can cause changes in the hormones that can eventually lead to renal cancer.
• Older age
  Renal cancer is more common among people between the age of 50 and 70.
• Family history of renal cancer
  People with a family history of renal cancer at high risk.
• Smoking
  Smokers are more vulnerable to renal cancer. However, the risk decreases once one quits smoking.
• Kidney disease
  People with polycystic kidney disease or any other advanced stages of kidney disease that requires dialysis are at high risk of getting renal cancer.
• High blood pressure
  People with high blood pressure have a higher risk of getting renal cancer. Some studies have also suggested that medications used to treat high blood pressure can also lead to renal cancer.
• Medications
  Excessive intake of pain medications such as ibuprofen, aspirin, and acetaminophen over time. Diuretics or water pills are also linked to renal cancer according to some studies.
• Inherited Hepatitis C conditions
  People with this condition, such as von Hippel-Lindau disease, often develop cysts or tumors in various parts of their body.
• Workplace exposure
  Exposure to asbestos, herbicides, and organic solvents such as trichloroethylene and cadmium can cause renal cancer.
• Genetic risk factors
  It has been found that some individuals may inherit a tendency to develop certain types of cancers from their parents.
• Gender
  According to studies, renal cancer is twice as common in men than in women.
• Race
  It has been observed that more African Americans and Native American have reported cases of renal cancer than Caucasians.

Signs and symptoms of renal cancer

The symptoms may not be very prominent in the early stages of renal cancer. Some of the most common signs and symptoms include

• tiredness and fatigue
• lump in the belly, side or the lower back
• the presence of blood in the urine
• discolored urine
• high blood pressure
• unexplained loss of appetite
• weight loss
• problems with the vision
• sweating in the night
• anemia
• intermittent fevers
• excessive hair growth in women
• pain in the lower back