Hypernephroma the Most Common Form of Kidney Cancer

What is Hypernephroma?

A cancer of the kidney, hypernephroma is the most common form. Other names for this type of kidney cancer are renal cell carcinoma, renal cell adenocarcinoma and renal cell cancer. It occurs most frequently in people over the age of 40.

An article published by the University of Iowa Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center stated that kidney cancer makes up about three percent of all cancer cases. For 2006, it was expected that there would be almost 39,000 new cases and approximately 13,000 deaths due to kidney cancer.

Causes

While there is no known specific cause, there are risk factors for developing kidney cancer. These risk factors include obesity, high blood pressure, smoking, gender, long-term dialysis and certain occupations.

Men are more likely than women to develop kidney cancer. Workers in occupations that expose them to cadmium or asbestos also have a higher risk factor.

Symptoms

Though these symptoms are common in other medical conditions, they are also associated with kidney cancer. Patients with these symptoms should seek medical evaluation as to the cause.

• Weight loss
• Fever
• Abdominal mass or lump
• Blood in urine
• Fatigue

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of hypernephroma can be accomplished with a variety of methods, including physical exam, biopsy, CT scan, blood tests and urine tests.

Treatment

Treatment options vary and it is recommended that patients take notes or use a tape recorder to track all the information their doctor may provide to them. It is also advisable to make a list of questions in advance, as a lot of information will be covered and areas of concern for the patient may be overlooked.

Those with a cancer diagnosis may wish to get a second opinion so as to confirm the diagnosis as well as get more information regarding options and advice in order to make an informed decision about their own care.

Some treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and surgery. Surgery, called nephrectomy, is the most common treatment.

Support

Those diagnosed with kidney cancer can locate support groups by contacting The Cancer Information Service. This organization can also provide information about obtaining and utilizing other resources such as services, publications and programs. They may be reached by calling 1-800-4-CANCER.

Sources

Kidney Cancer. University of Iowa: Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center. Last modification June 18, 2007.

Hypernephroma. National Cancer Institute. U.S. National Institutes of Health.