Kidney cancer: Renal manifestations of malignant disease

• What is Kidney Cancer (Renal Manifestations of Malignant Disease)
• Statistics on Kidney Cancer (Renal Manifestations of Malignant Disease)
• Risk Factors for Kidney Cancer (Renal Manifestations of Malignant Disease)
• Progression of Kidney Cancer (Renal Manifestations of Malignant Disease)
• Symptoms of Kidney Cancer (Renal Manifestations of Malignant Disease)
• Clinical Examination of Kidney Cancer (Renal Manifestations of Malignant Disease)
• How is Kidney Cancer (Renal Manifestations of Malignant Disease) Diagnosed?
• Prognosis of Kidney Cancer (Renal Manifestations of Malignant Disease)
• How is Kidney Cancer (Renal Manifestations of Malignant Disease) Treated?

What is Kidney Cancer (Renal Manifestations of Malignant Disease)

Renal Manifestations of Malignant Disease is a disease affecting the Kidneys.

Statistics on Kidney Cancer (Renal Manifestations of Malignant Disease)

Kidney disease caused by cancer outside the kidneys and urinary system can be classified into two major groups: 1. Cancers that cause glomerular disease. 2. Cancers that cause tubular disease. The incidence of each of these conditions is difficult to measure, for each may be induced by more than one form of cancer. Estimates have suggested that glomerular disease is the first symptom in 0.1-10% of patients with an otherwise unknown cancer. Tubular disease is more common to the blood borne cancers such as leukaemia and lymphoma. Up to 50% of patients who have died from leukaemia or lymphoma have been shown to have bilateral renal involvement in the disease process.

Risk Factors for Kidney Cancer (Renal Manifestations of Malignant Disease)

Essentially the predisposing factors for cancer associated renal disease is the the presence of the causative cancer itself. Each of these cancers in turn, will have its own associated risk factors for occurrence, which are referenced in Virtual Cancer Centre. Glomerular Disease: 1. Lymphoproliferative Malignancy: Hodgkin’s lymphoma and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. 2. Solid tumours: Lung, gastrointestinal, breast, kidney and ovary. Tubular Disease: 1. Leukaemia 2. Lymphoproliferative Malignancy: Hodgkin’s disease and Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. 3. Multiple myeloma 4. Amyloidosis

Progression of Kidney Cancer (Renal Manifestations of Malignant Disease)

The natural history of glomerular disease caries with type, as determined by microscopy examination of a kidney biopsy. Many patients with develop the “nephrotic syndrome” during periods of primary disease and relapse. Nephrotic syndrome essentially describes the great loss of protein from the kidneys and the defects that result from that loos of protein. The nephrotic syndrome will resolve if remission is achieved with appropriate therapy. In tubular disease, although the kidney is infiltrated with cancer cells, renal function is not greatly affected. The effects of the cancer on the blood may also result in kidney damage, as blood borne tumours can increase levels of blood calcium and uric acid which may adversely affect the kidney.

How is Kidney Cancer (Renal Manifestations of Malignant Disease) Diagnosed?

General investigations include assessment of kidney function through a number of blood tests and urinary samples. The patient may also be required to collect their urine over 24 hours to quantify the amount of protein lost by the kidneys.

Prognosis of Kidney Cancer (Renal Manifestations of Malignant Disease)

The prognosis of this condition is impossible to predict, given that the condition is caused by a number of tumours at varying stages of their development. Glomerular renal disease secondary to malignancy may be reversible with appropriate treatment of disease. Tubular disease represents spread of the cancer to the kidneys which may signify stage progression of the offending cancer.

How is Kidney Cancer (Renal Manifestations of Malignant Disease) Treated?

Successful treatment of the causative cancer will improve kidney function in both glomerular and tubular disease. Patients will also require supportive therapy during their period of kidney dysfunction. The nephrotic syndrome and renal failure may need supportive treatment while the primary cancer is being treated.

More information

For more information on kidney anatomy, cancer, animations and treatment, see Kidney Cancer.