Guide To The Major Types Of Kidney Cancer And Tumors

Sarcoma

Renal sarcoma is a type of kidney cancer that begins in the mesenchymal cells of the kidney. These are the cells that form connective tissues. Several types of sarcomas can develop in the kidney. However, the most common are liposarcomas, leiomyosarcomas, fibrosarcoma, osteosarcoma, angiosarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, and malignant fibrous histiocytoma. The perisinuous space and the organ capsule are the most prevalent origination point of renal sarcomas.

Since these types of tumors have developed from connective tissue cells, they have a greater ability to cross fascial anatomical boundaries to other organs. These renal tumors grow rapidly and often spread to the lymph nodes, lungs, or liver. Hematuria, flank pain, and a palpable flank mass are common symptoms of renal sarcoma. Urine tests, blood tests, angiography, computerized tomography scans, and kidney tissue biopsy are used to make a renal sarcoma diagnosis. As this type of kidney cancer is more aggressive than others, most patients will need surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy at some point.

Oncocytoma

Some individuals may deal with a renal oncocytoma. This kidney growth, thankfully, is usually benign, though rare cases can be cancerous. Patients often discover oncocytomas when they need diagnostic imaging for other conditions, since symptoms are not common. However, renal oncocytomas can result in a variety of symptoms in certain cases. These symptoms include blood in the urine, a mass in the abdomen, as well as abdominal or flank pain.

These growths are more common in men over fifty years old, though anyone can develop them. Single renal oncocytomas have an unknown cause, though when they affect both kidneys, genetic conditions appear to be involved. If the patient's tumor is benign, it likely does not require treatment. However, if it does cause symptoms, patients often receive surgery. This also allows doctors to confirm the diagnosis.