Renal cell carcinoma is one of the common forms of kidney cancer and is typified by the uncontrolled proliferation and growth of the cells lining the tubules. Tubules are small tubes in the kidney that help in eliminating the toxic wastes from the body. As a result of the cancer, tubules lose their functional capacity, thus causing various other medical problems as well.
Treatment Methods
Like any other form of cancer, no treatment method is yet available to completely cure renal cell carcinoma. However, doctors use different methods such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy among others to reduce the damage caused by the cancerous cells. Nephrectomy, removal of the kidney, is a common solution. Postsurgery radiation therapy along with chemotherapy are often suggested. In the radiation therapy, high-power beams such as X-rays are used to damage the cancerous cells. While the chemotherapy method utilizes anticancer drugs such as interleukin-2 (IL-2) administered either intravenously or orally.
Time Frame
The time period for the treatment techniques administered to the renal cell carcinoma patients is based on the proliferation and maturation of the cancer cells. However, in majority of the cases, the patient is subjected to radiation therapy daily for close to five to six weeks. Chemotherapy is administered intermittently for about three to four months.
Side Effects
Side effects are very common, as the treatment methods can damage the healthy and normal cells along with the cancer cells. Some of the common side effects include bleeding, infection, and pain. Side effects linked with radiation therapy include tiredness, nausea, diarrhea, urinary discomfort and loss of appetite.
Sucess Rates
The survival rates generally depends upon the stage of the cancer and its spread. However, according to the National Cancer Institute, the mean five-year survival rate for renal cell carcinoma between 1997 and 2005 was close to 69 percent.
Prevention/Solution
Quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, controlling high blood pressure, and reducing the exposure towards toxins and pollutants are some of the common preventive measures one can take in order to avoid the development of renal cell cancer.
Tags: radiation therapy, renal cell, renal cell carcinoma, along with, cancer cells, cancerous cells, cell carcinoma