The most common type of kidney cancer, renal cell carcinoma results in over 14000 deaths annually. Some of the risk factors associated with the condition include exposure to toxins, herbicides, and chemical based solvents, as well as genetics (family history).

Symptoms of Renal Cell Carcinoma

Before learning about the various methods available for the treatment of renal cell carcinoma, it is important for one to understand the symptoms of the condition.

• Bloody urination
• Fatigue
• Anemia
• Back Pain
• Sudden unexplained weight loss
• Excess calcium or protein in the urine
• Fever

Treatment Options for Renal Cell Carcinoma

Renal cell carcinoma can be treated with a number of methods. If diagnosed early, surgery is considered the best treatment for renal cell carcinoma owing to the fact that the disease has not progressed beyond kidneys. However, if diagnosed with metastatic cancer, meaning the cancerous cells have spread beyond the affected kidney, other treatment options have to be adopted. Accordingly, here are the most common treatment options available for renal cell carcinoma:

Surgery

Depending on the size, location or features of the tumor, the doctor may recommend surgery to remove the affected organ and the surrounding tissue (radical nephrectomy) or only the tumor (cytoreductive nephrectomy). Advanced techniques like tumor laparoscopy or robotic surgery may also be recommended.

Targeted Drug Therapy

This form of treatment of renal cell carcinoma involves using targeted agents to treat patients with the clear cell type of advanced renal cell carcinoma. Drugs like temsirolimus are injected into the tumors to block the blood vessels, which facilitate the growth of tumors.

Immunotherapy

Metastatic renal cell carcinoma may be cured using an immunotherapy drug known as a checkpoint inhibitor. This treatment was previously carried out in combination with surgery, using drugs like interferon and interleukin-2.

Radiation Therapy

In some cases, radiation therapy is recommended to bring down the symptoms of renal cell carcinoma. This treatment of renal cell carcinoma is usually recommended for patients who cannot withstand the pain caused by surgery.

Chemotherapy

Although they are not the first course of treatment for patients suffering from renal cell carcinoma, they are recommended in cases where other forms of treatment for the condition do not yield fruitful results.

Renal cell carcinoma is the most common form of kidney cancer and can be treated with a number of methods. However, the method of treatment chosen will depend on several factors.