The kidneys are one of the most important organs in our body. These two small organs that filter our blood every day and excrete unnecessary things as urine are like two filters in our body. However, these kidneys can also develop various diseases. Today we are going to talk about a type of kidney cancer that is a bit serious, but it is very important to be aware of. This is `(Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma)`, in short `(ccRCC)`.
What is 'clear cell renal cell carcinoma' (ccRCC)?
Simply put, this `(Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma - ccRCC)` is a subtype of kidney cancer. When we talk about kidney cancer, we generally say `(Renal Cell Carcinoma - RCC)`. This `(ccRCC)` is one of its types.
Did you know that our kidneys have tiny channels inside them, like a filter? These are the ones that filter the waste products in the blood and pass them out as urine. This cancer starts in the cells that line those channels. These `(ccRCC)` cells divide and multiply very quickly, forming one or more tumors. Usually, it affects one kidney, but sometimes it can affect both kidneys.
What are the symptoms of this disease?
In most cases, in the early stages of this `(ccRCC)`, there are no major symptoms. That's what's a little scary. Because you may not even know you have the disease. But as the disease progresses, you may experience things like:
- Blood in the urine. Sometimes the urine may be red, pink, or brown. Doctors call this ``hematuria''.
- Fatigue is the feeling of extreme tiredness, no matter how much sleep you get. You may feel tired all day long.
- Fever that comes on for no reason. If you just have a fever without any other illness, that's also something to pay attention to.
- It feels like a lump that can be felt in the affected kidney .
- Flank pain is pain on the side of the kidney . This pain can be constant or come and go.
- Unexplained weight loss. If you're just losing weight without dieting or exercising, that's something to look into.
Why does this `(ccRCC)` occur? What are the causes?
To be honest, the exact cause of most kidney cancers, including this `(ccRCC)`, is unknown . However, some factors have been found to increase the risk of developing it. Let's see what they are?
- Use of tobacco products : This includes not only smoking but also vaping. The harmful chemicals in tobacco can damage the kidneys.
- Body Mass Index (BMI) over 25 : Simply put, being overweight/obesity. Obesity can cause hormonal changes and other problems that can increase the risk of cancer.
- High blood pressure (hypertension) : This is when your blood pressure increases. This risk can occur because high blood pressure damages the kidneys.
- Having to undergo dialysis due to long-standing kidney disease : People on dialysis are also at risk of developing kidney cancer.
- Exposure to certain toxic chemicals in the workplace : For example, those exposed to solvents such as trichloroethylene, asbestos, and cadmium are also at increased risk.
- Long-term use of analgesics : Some painkillers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol®), are not good for you if you take them continuously or in excess.
Who can develop this `(ccRCC)` the most?
Actually, anyone can develop this condition, called ``(ccRCC)``. However, it has been found that men are twice as likely to develop this disease as women . Also, it is most common among people between the ages of 50 and 70.
According to the American Cancer Society, more than 81,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with kidney cancer each year. Of these, the most common type of kidney cancer is called ccRCC .
Is this disease called `(ccRCC)` hereditary?
If you have a blood relative who has renal cell carcinoma, you may be at slightly higher risk of developing kidney cancer. However, doctors are still not sure why.
Some people have genetic conditions that make them more likely to develop ccRCC. An example is Von Hippel-Landau (VHL) disease.
In these cases, a genetic mutation that is passed down through generations causes cysts and tumors to form in various parts of the body. These tumors are usually not cancerous. However, people in these families may develop ccRCC more often, and it may also develop at a younger age than normal.
If you are diagnosed with ccRCC at a young age, or if you have multiple tumors, your doctor may suggest genetic testing .
How is this `(ccRCC)` disease diagnosed?
As we mentioned earlier, kidney cancer often has very few symptoms in its early stages. That's why doctors often find kidney tumors when they're looking for other conditions. For example, a kidney tumor may be discovered by chance during an MRI or CT scan to look for kidney stones.
Imaging tests like these can detect the presence of a tumor. However, it is difficult to tell for sure from a scan alone whether the tumor is benign or malignant.
To make an accurate diagnosis , a doctor may perform a kidney biopsy or suggest surgery to remove the tumor.
If the tumor is removed through surgery, tissue from the tumor is taken and tested for cancer. The results are used to determine whether it is cancer and whether it is a type called ``ccRCC''.
Surprisingly, only 4 out of 10 small kidney tumors, less than 4 centimeters in size, are likely to be benign tumors, such as renal oncocytomas.
What are the stages of (ccRCC) cancer?
After being diagnosed with `(ccRCC)`, the doctor determines the ``cancer staging`` . That is, they look at the size of the tumor and whether it has spread to other parts of the body.
There are four main types of Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma.
- The less the chance, the less severe the cancer.
The doctor will talk to you about these things:
- What stage your cancer is in.
- What is the risk of it spreading to other parts of the body?
- What are the next steps you should take ?
What are the treatments for `(ccRCC)`?
Most of the time, treatment options depend on whether the cancer has spread beyond the kidney. Okay, let's see.
If the cancer has not spread beyond the kidney:
In this case, treatment can be done like this:
- Surgery - Nephrectomy : A surgeon removes only the part of the kidney that has cancer. This is called a partial nephrectomy. Alternatively, the entire kidney may be removed. This is called a radical nephrectomy.
- Ablative therapies : These treatments use a percutaneous approach to destroy cancer cells by inserting a needle through the skin. There are different methods for this. For example, cancer cells can be destroyed by using extreme cold (cryoablation) or extreme heat (thermal ablation).
If the cancer has spread, or there is a high risk of spreading:
In such cases, treatment options are:
- Immunotherapy : This involves stimulating your body's own immune system to destroy cancer cells. The drugs used for this are pembrolizumab (Keytruda®) or nivolumab (Opdivo®).
- Targeted therapy : This treatment works by stopping the growth and multiplication of cancer cells. The drugs used for this are axitinib (Inlyta®) and cabozantinib (Cabometyx®).
Is `(ccRCC)` a serious, fast-spreading cancer?
Like all other types of `(carcinoma), this `(Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma)` can spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body. Treating a cancer that has spread in this way (metastatic cancer) is a bit more difficult.
Compared to other types of kidney cancer, ``(ccRCC)`` is usually more aggressive and tends to spread more quickly .
Renal Cell Carcinoma most commonly spreads to the following locations:
- Lymph nodes
- Lungs
- Adrenal glands (located above the kidneys)
- Liver
- Brain
- Bones
How fast does (ccRCC) cancer grow?
The growth rate of Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma can vary greatly. According to one study, they can grow anywhere from 0.2 to 6.5 centimeters (0.07 to 2.5 inches) per year. The average growth rate is about 2.13 centimeters (0.83 inches) per year.
What is the survival rate for `(ccRCC)`?
In general, the five-year survival rate for (ccRCC) is between 50% and 69% .
However, the chances of this recovery depend on the size of your tumor. In general, treatment is less successful for larger tumors or if the `(ccRCC)` has spread to other parts of the body. In such cases, if there is a large tumor or if the cancer has spread, the five-year survival rate may be about 10%. That is why it is important to detect it early and start treatment early.
How should I take care of myself?
It's normal to feel a range of emotions when you find out you have Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma. You may feel a variety of things, including fear, anger, sadness, anxiety, and depression.
Many people find relief by learning as much as possible about (ccRCC) and asking for help from their loved ones. It's also a good idea to join (ccRCC) support groups who can understand exactly what you're going through.
It's also very important to trust your medical team. Ask them any questions you have about treatment options and the healing process.
Here are some other ways you can take care of yourself:
- Take all medications prescribed by doctors exactly as directed .
- Avoid becoming thin by eating foods high in protein and calories.
- Sleep as well as possible.
- Trying to manage stress through things like deep breathing, meditation, yoga, art therapy, or calming activities like puzzles.
- Engaging in physical activity as much as your body can handle.
When should I see a doctor?
If you experience any of these symptoms, see a doctor immediately:
- If there is blood in the urine.
- If you have a lump or pain in your arm that doesn't go away .
- If you have an unexplained fever or weight loss .
If you are already being treated for (ccRCC), talk to your doctor right away if you develop new symptoms or if your symptoms get worse . They can tell you how to manage your symptoms, change your medication dose, or recommend a new treatment. An important part of your treatment is to stay as healthy as possible.
What questions should I ask the doctor?
It's a good idea to ask your doctor questions like these:
- "What is the best treatment for me?"
- "What are the side effects of the treatment you recommend?"
- "Am I at risk of metastatic cancer?"
- "How can I reduce the risk of spreading this `(ccRCC)`?"
- "Is anyone in my blood family at risk of developing `(ccRCC)`?"
- "Are there any symptoms of complications that I should be especially aware of?"
These questions are just to help you. Don't hesitate to ask your doctor anything you have in mind, no matter how small. It's very important that you understand everything clearly.
What is the difference between 'clear cell' and 'papillary' kidney cancer?
These are ``Clear Cell Renal Carcinoma'' and ``Papillary Renal Cell Carcinoma''. The symptoms of both are very similar. The treatments are also very similar.
The main difference is in how these cancer cells look when viewed under a microscope.
- Papillary cancer cells appear as long, thin, finger-like growths.
- `(ccRCC)` Cancer cells look like clear bubbles.
About one in 10 people with renal cell carcinoma have the papillary type.
Finally, a few things to remember (Take-Home Message)
I understand how difficult it can be to find out you have cancer. Feelings like fear, sadness, anger, confusion, and loneliness can come at you all at once. Maybe you feel all of these things at once. Or, you may feel disconnected from your emotions as you try to cope with this diagnosis. Understand that whatever you are feeling, it is normal.
Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most common type of kidney cancer. It can grow faster and be more aggressive than other kidney cancers.
You have a lot of questions, you need to talk to someone about your feelings and thoughts. Don't hesitate to ask your doctors for help at any time, and rely on your support system (family, friends).
This can be a difficult journey, but take it one step at a time, and be kind to yourself. Remember that early detection and early treatment can make a big difference. You are not alone.
` Kidney cancer, ccRCC, Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma, kidney disease, cancer symptoms, cancer treatment, kidney health
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