What is Renal Cell Carcinoma Collecting Duct?
Collecting duct carcinoma is a rare and aggressive form of kidney cancer that begins in the Bellini duct. Aggressive cancers tend to grow and spread rapidly to other parts of the body. Renal cell carcinoma often shows no symptoms until it has reached an advanced stage. It can spread to distant organs such as the bones, liver, lungs, and lymph nodes. This cancer typically affects younger adults and is more common in men than in women.
Causes
The exact cause of collecting duct renal cell carcinoma is not well understood. However, certain risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing this cancer, including:
- Aging
- Cigarette smoking
- Obesity
- High blood pressure
- Long-term dialysis
- Family history of kidney cancer
Signs and Symptoms
Patients with this condition may experience the following symptoms:
- Pain in the side or lower back
- Abdominal pain
- Unexplained weight loss
- Blood in the urine
- Fatigue
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of renal cell carcinoma collecting duct may involve the following tests and procedures:
- Complete Blood Count (CBC): To assess overall health and detect abnormalities.
- Serum Tumour Markers: To identify specific markers that may indicate cancer.
- Imaging Techniques: Ultrasonography (USG), CT scans, MRI, and X-rays are used to determine the location, size, and extent of the tumour.
Treatment
There is no standardised treatment for collecting duct renal cell carcinoma. In some cases, surgical removal of the kidney (nephrectomy) may be necessary, though the cancer often recurs. Immunotherapy and chemotherapy may also be recommended, but more research is needed to determine their effectiveness in treating this type of cancer.
You can help us with your donation:
Without a Ribbon is a charity that works hard to aid those who suffer from rare cancers. You can help our cause in a variety of ways:
