Kidneys are organs that are responsible for clearing waste materials from the blood and excess water and salt in the body and located in our two cavities. Cancers that originate from here are called kidney tumors.
How many types of kidney tumors are available?
Kidney cell cancers are the most common (85%). In addition, transitional epithelial cell cancers that can occur in the collecting part of the kidney are seen at a rate of 6-7%.
In children, a different type of kidney cancer called Wilm’s tumor may occur in 5-6% of cases. In addition, rare renal sarcomas, kidney adenomas, oncocytomas and angiomyolipomas can be seen.
Are all kidney tumors cancer?
Non-cancerous tumoral formations can also be seen in the kidney. Among them, the adenomas, oncocytomas and angiomyolipomas we mentioned earlier are not cancer. However, until the diagnosis is made, any mass seen in the kidney should be considered as cancer.
What are the risk factors for kidney cancer?
Anything that increases a person’s chances of contracting a particular disease is considered a risk factor for that disease. Men are twice as likely to develop kidney cancer than women.
Environmental or work-related risk factors:
- Smoking
- Painkillers containing phenacetin
- Asbestos workers
- Cadmium workers
Transmission from family:
An increased incidence of kidney tumors has been reported in families with tuberous sclerosis or Von Hippel Lindau Disease. Familial kidney tumors have features of being bilateral.
Diet and weight:
Some studies have reported that those who eat fat and fatty foods have a higher risk of kidney cancer.