What is Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma?
Clear cell renal cell carcinoma is the most common type of kidney cancer in adults that accounts for approximately 80% of all renal cancers. It is more common in adults as compared the children.Disease Causes
There is no well-known cause, however strong association is observed between the presence of a genetic and hereditary disease named von-Hippel-Linadu syndrome and the development of clear cell renal cell carcinoma. A family history of kidney disease or cancer is also a risk factor for the development of clear cell renal cell cancer of the kidney. Obesity, high blood pressure, cigarette smoking, and exposure to certain environmental chemicals such as trichloroethylene, benzene, benzidine, cadmium, pesticides, and vinyl chloride are also important risk factors for developing clear cell renal cell carcinoma.Signs and Symptoms
In most cases, there are no symptoms, and cancer or renal tumour is detected on the occasional radiologic examination. In advance cases, the patient may develop the following signs and symptoms. These are- Pain in the loin
- Passage of blood or blood particles in the urine
- A palpable mass in the loin or abdomen
- Unexplained weight loss
- Night sweats
- High blood pressure
- Fever
- Lethargy
Diagnosis
The following diagnostic tests and procedures can be used to make a diagnosis. These are- Imaging techniques like CT-abdomen and pelvis, USG abdomen and pelvis, MRI, CT-chest, and X-ray to assess the site, size, extent, and distant metastasis of the tumor.
- Renal arteriography ( Ultrasonography of the main artery of the kidney)
- Venography
- CT-scan and MRI brain to detect the distant metastasis of the tumour