Humans have two kidneys. Kidneys are fist-sized organs on either side of your backbone above your waist. The tubes inside filter and clean your blood, taking out waste products and making urine. Kidney cancer forms in the lining of tiny tubes inside your kidneys.
The risk of getting kidney cancer could increase with age. Other risk factors could include smoking, genetic conditions, and abuse of opiates and pain medicines for a long time. An individual could have no symptoms at first and they may appear as the cancer spreads.
Symptoms could include:
- Blood in urine
- Lump in the abdomen
- Weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Chronic pain in your sides
Treatments depend on your age, overall health, and how advanced the cancer has become. It could also include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and biologic or targeted therapies.
To learn more about kidney cancer diagnosis and treatment options available to you at MAUA, contact us at (301) 477-2000 or fill out our Online Appointment Request Form.
