RENAL CELL CARCINOMA

RENAL CELL CARCINOMA

Etiology and risk factors

• Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a type of kidney cancer that originates in the lining of the proximal convoluted tubule.
• It is a common type of kidney cancer, accounting for approximately 85% of cases.
• Risk factors include: • Age: Most cases occur in people over 60 years. • Sex: RCC is more common in males. • Smoking: Smoking increases the risk of RCC. • Obesity: Being overweight or obese increases the risk. • Family history: People with a family history of RCC are at higher risk. • Genetic mutations: Certain genetic mutations, such as VHL, can increase the risk.

Histopathological features

• RCC is classified into several subtypes, including: • Clear cell RCC (ccRCC): This is the most common subtype, accounting for approximately 75% of cases. • Papillary RCC (pRCC): This subtype accounts for approximately 10-15% of cases. • Chromophobe RCC (chRCC): This subtype accounts for approximately 5% of cases. • Collecting duct RCC (cdRCC): This is a rare subtype.
• Histopathological features: • Clear cell RCC: Characterized by clear cells with abundant cytoplasm and small nuclei. • Papillary RCC: Characterized by papillary or tubulopapillary architecture. • Chromophobe RCC: Characterized by large cells with abundant cytoplasm and small nuclei.

Clinical presentation

• RCC can present with various symptoms, including: • Hematuria: Blood in the urine. • Pain: Pain in the flank, abdomen, or back. • Mass: A palpable mass in the abdomen. • Weight loss: Unintentional weight loss. • Fatigue: Feeling tired or weak. • Nausea and vomiting: Symptoms of metastasis to the brain.

Diagnostic modalities

• Imaging studies: • CT scan: The imaging modality of choice for diagnosing RCC. • MRI: Used to evaluate the extent of disease. • Ultrasound: Used to evaluate the kidneys and urinary tract.
• Biopsy: Used to confirm the diagnosis.
• Laboratory tests: • Blood tests: Used to evaluate kidney function and identify potential biomarkers.

Treatment options

• Surgery: • Nephrectomy: The surgical removal of the kidney. • Partial nephrectomy: The surgical removal of a portion of the kidney.
• Medical therapy: • Sunitinib: A tyrosine kinase inhibitor used to treat metastatic RCC. • Pazopanib: A tyrosine kinase inhibitor used to treat metastatic RCC.
• Radiation therapy: • Used to treat symptoms or pain in patients with metastatic disease.

Prognosis and long-term outcome

• The prognosis for RCC depends on the stage and grade of the tumor.
• The 5-year survival rate for RCC is approximately 75%.
• Factors that affect prognosis include: • Stage: Early-stage disease has a better prognosis. • Grade: Low-grade tumors have a better prognosis. • Metastasis: Patients with metastatic disease have a poorer prognosis.

Homoeopathic therapeutics for renal tumors

• Remedies: • Calcarea carbonica: Used to treat patients with a history of cancer. • Lycopodium: Used to treat patients with a history of cancer. • Phosphorus: Used to treat patients with a history of cancer. • Silica: Used to treat patients with a history of cancer.
• Indications: • Cachexia: Weight loss and wasting in patients with cancer. • Fatigue: Feeling tired or weak in patients with cancer. • Pain: Pain in patients with cancer. • Nausea and vomiting: Symptoms of metastasis to the brain.