Kidney cancer is one of the most common cancers in adults due to the predominance of renal cell carcinoma.
Cristina Tesare
Kidney cancer begins in the kidneys of our body; in adults, it can present as renal cell carcinoma; and in young children, “Wilms tumor” This type of cancer does not usually have signs or symptoms in its early stages. However, should be paid attention when our body shows:
- Blood in the urine, pink or red color.
- Permanent back pain or on the side.
- Loss of appetite.
- Weight loss with no apparent cause.
- Tiredness.
- Fever.
What happens in my body when my kidney fails?
Our kidneys perform the filtering function of waste and fluids excess from the blood, which we excrete in the urine. When these organs lose their ability to filter, dangerous levels of fluids, electrolytes, and wastes can build up in the body.
Kidney cancer is a deadly enemy that gradually destroys the body’s kidney function.
When not treated on time, this cancer may need dialysis or a kidney transplant to live, starting the body to suffer from diseases as type 1 or 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, glomerulonephritis (inflammation of the filtration units of the kidneys), interstitial nephritis, polycystic kidney disease, among others.
Once kidney damage occurs cannot be reversed, and its complications can affect any part of the body as:
- 1. Fluid retention leading to swelling of the arms and legs, high blood pressure, or fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema)
- 2.The sudden increase in potassium levels in the blood (hyperkalemia): impairing the heart functioning and can be life-threatening.
- 3. Development of cardiovascular disease.
- 4. Fragile bones, increasing risk of fractures.
- 5. Anemia.
- 6. Sex drive decreased, erectile dysfunction, or reduced fertility.
- 7. Central nervous system damaged: which can cause difficulty concentrating, personality changes, or seizures.
- 8. Response by the immune system decreased.
- 9. Irreversible damage to your kidneys (end-stage renal disease) ultimately requires both dialysis and a kidney transplant to survive.
How can I prevent the appearance or development of Kidney cancer?
–
- Stop smoking.
- – Maintain a healthy weight: If you are overweight or obese, reduce the number of calories you consume per day and try to be physically active most days of the week.
- – Control high blood pressure: If you have high blood pressure, you can talk about options to lower the values. Lifestyle measures, such as exercising, losing weight, and making dietary changes, can help.
– Avoid workplace exposure to harmful substances, such as trichloroethylene.