Cancer Q&A: Kidney Cancer

The following information is provided by the Cancer Services of Greater Baton Rouge and was published by The Advocate.

QUESTION: What can you tell me about kidney cancer?

ANSWER: Kidney cancer forms in the tiny tubes inside of the kidneys.

These tubes, when functioning properly, filter and clean your blood, taking out waste products and making urine. While there are different types of kidney cancer, around 85 percent of cases are renal cell carcinomas. Symptoms of kidney cancer can include:

  • Blood in your urine
  • A lump in your abdomen
  • Weight loss for no reason
  • Pain in your side that does not go away
  • Loss of appetite

The most common treatment for kidney cancer is surgery. Patients might also have targeted therapy or immunotherapy in addition to the more traditional chemo and radiation. Outside of age, smoking is the No. 1 risk factor for kidney cancer.

Patients on long-term dialysis or with certain genetic make-ups might also face an increased risk.

For more information, contact Courtney Britton, librarian at Cancer Services of Greater Baton Rouge, at (225) 927-2273, cbritton@cancerservices.org, or visit the Education Center at 550 Lobdell Ave., Baton Rouge.

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