When the cells present in the kidneys start growing uncontrollably and form a cancerous mass, it is referred to as kidney cancer or kidney carcinoma. Kidney carcinoma affects all age groups. Early detection and timely treatment lead to effective management of kidney cancer.
A kidney tumor refers to the cancerous or non-cancerous growth that occurs in the kidneys. Non-cancerous kidney tumors are localized, benign, and relatively easier to treat. It is important to be mindful of symptoms and see a doctor when something is not normal. If left untreated, a kidney tumor can become kidney cancer.
The terms "kidney cancer" and "kidney tumor" are often used synonymously. However, there is a slight difference between these two. Kidney cancer refers to a cancerous mass that can spread to nearby and distant organs in the body. A kidney tumor, on the other hand, refers to a mass that may be non-cancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant). A kidney tumor is localized and is not necessarily life-threatening. Due to their benign nature, most kidney tumor types may only need surveillance or watchful waiting to be managed effectively. In other words, all kidney cancers are kidney tumors, however, not all kidney tumors are kidney cancers.
In India, the incidence of kidney carcinoma is relatively lower, which could partly be due to under-reporting. Reports suggest that renal cell carcinoma (RCC), a type of kidney cancer, accounts for 3% of all cancers, and accounts for 85% of all kidney cancers. Over the years, the incidence of kidney carcinoma has been on the rise; this could possibly be because of the advanced imaging techniques available today.
Kidney cancer can affect all age groups. However, studies have found that the risk of kidney carcinoma increases with age. Men are more likely to be diagnosed with kidney carcinoma than women. Obesity, smoking, chronic kidney disease, alcohol consumption, and long-term dialysis are important risk factors for kidney cancer, and those who identify with these factors should consider talking to their doctor about measures that can help reduce their cancer risk.
Based on the type of cell that it originates from, the following are the different kidney cancer types:
Renal cell carcinoma or renal cell cancer is the most common type of kidney cancer. If we are to explain renal cell carcinoma meaning, it refers to the growth of a tumor inside the lining of the tiny tubules that are responsible for the filtration of blood.
Clear cell renal cell carcinoma or clear cell carcinoma is one of the most common types of renal cell carcinoma, and it is also the most rapidly growing form of RCC. These cancer cells appear as clear and pale bubbles under a microscope, hence the name clear cell carcinoma.
Papillary renal cell carcinoma is a type of RCC where the tumor cells have finger-like projections. This is the second most common type of RCC, and it is further classified into two types. Type 1 PRCC grows slowly and is more common. Type 2 PRCC, on the other hand, grows rapidly and is relatively less common.
Chromophobe RCC is a type of renal cell carcinoma that is characterized by the presence of large and clear cells with a prominent membrane. This RCC type has a relatively better disease prognosis.
Collecting duct RCC is one of the rare types of renal cell carcinoma, and it forms in the collecting duct of the kidney. This type of RCC does not show any symptoms until it is in the advanced stages and is often diagnosed as metastatic renal cell carcinoma.
Unclassified RCC refers to the heterogeneous tumor groups that cannot be classified under any of the above RCC types. Unclassified RCC is reported to have the worst prognosis.
Clear cell papillary RCC is a type of RCC that carries the characteristic features of both clear cell RCC and papillary RCC. This RCC type can be detected in the early stages and has a better prognosis.
Unclassified RCC refers to the heterogeneous tumor groups that cannot be classified under any of the above RCC types. Unclassified RCC is reported to have the worst prognosis.
Clear cell papillary RCC is a type of RCC that carries the characteristic features of both clear cell RCC and papillary RCC. This RCC type can be detected in the early stages and has a better prognosis.
Renal medullary carcinoma is a rare and aggressive type of renal cell cancer among younger individuals with sickle cell disease or sickle cell trait and African ethnicity. It is more common among men.
Transitional cell cancer, also called renal transitional cell carcinoma, forms in the transitional (urothelial) epithelial cells that line the urinary tract from the kidneys to the urethra. This is a rare form of kidney carcinoma.
Wilms tumor, or nephroblastoma, is one of the most common types of pediatric cancer. When it comes to Wilms tumor’s meaning, it refers to the growth of abnormal mass in the kidneys. This type of kidney carcinoma is more common among children under the age of 5. Wilms tumor has a good prognosis. The following are the different types of Wilms tumor:
A favorable Wilms tumor is characterized by cells that look relatively normal with a triphasic pattern of epithelial, blastema, and stromal tissues. This type of Wilms tumor has a good prognosis.
Also known as an unfavorable Wilms tumor, an anaplastic Wilms tumor is characterized by undifferentiated and rapid growth rates. This type of Wilms tumor has a poor prognosis.
Benign kidney tumors are localized and non-cancerous. They are easily treated and cured. They may not cause symptoms. The following are the different kidney tumor types:
Angiomyolipoma is made up of blood vessels, smooth muscles, and fat. It is one of the most common kidney tumor types.
Renal oncocytoma is one of the benign kidney tumor types, and it arises from oncocytes. The presentation of oncocytoma is similar to that of renal cell cancer, despite the former being benign.This is one of the kidney tumor types that are often misdiagnosed, due to their resemblance to chromophobe renal cell carcinoma.
A renal sarcoma is a rare form of kidney cancer that arises from the connective tissues. It is one of the kidney cancer types that is aggressive and has a poor prognosis.
Metastatic kidney cancer refers to kidney cancer that has started spreading to nearby and distant organs in the body. Metastatic renal cell carcinoma is relatively more challenging to treat. The management of metastatic kidney cancer will require complex and aggressive treatment regimens.
Depending on the severity, kidney cancer is categorized into four stages:
Stage 1 kidney cancer is localized, and the tumor size is not more than 7 cm.
Stage 2 kidney cancer is localized, and the tumor size is more than 7 cm.
Stage 3 kidney cancer is the one that has spread to the nearby tissues and lymph nodes.
Stage 4 kidney cancer is metastatic, i.e., the disease has spread to other parts of the body.
Some patients experience early signs of kidney cancer, while others start experiencing symptoms when the disease is in its advanced stages. Another important aspect to keep in mind is that most kidney cancer symptomsare similar to those of other less serious kidney problems. Therefore, it is easy for these symptoms to be ignored; this can, in turn, can lead to a delayed diagnosis. No matter how mild the symptom is, if it lasts for more than two weeks, it should be checked by a doctor for a conclusive diagnosis.
The following are the common kidney cancer symptoms:
The presence of blood in the urine (hematuria) is one of the early signs of kidney cancer. Patients suspected of having kidney cancer often pass urine that is pink, red, or brown in color. It is important to note hematuria could also be one of the benign kidney tumor symptoms.
Those with kidney cancer often experience pain or pressure in the side or back. This pain or discomfort does not go away easily or is often not related to physical activity. This is one of the symptoms of stage 1 kidney cancer. Pain in the abdomen or back could also be one of Wilms tumor symptoms.
A palpable mass or lump on the side or back is one of the most reported kidney cancer symptoms. These lumps are often hard and do not go away. In some cases, it is also one of the symptoms of stage 1 kidney cancer. Benign kidney tumors or cysts often present themselves with a lump or mass, and this makes the presence of a lump one of the kidney cyst cancer symptoms too.
Some patients may experience swelling in the ankles and legs (peripheral edema) due to fluid retention
High-blood pressure, or hypertension, is one of the most common kidney cancer symptoms. Nonetheless, hypertension is a non-specific symptom that can be caused by a myriad of factors; in some cases, it may also be one of the benign kidney tumor symptoms
Kidney cancer patients often have anemia, which is characterized by a low red blood cell count. This is often one of the commonly ignored renal cancer symptoms.
Persistent fatigue is one of the commonly reported kidney tumor symptoms. Patients often experience a general feeling of tiredness and decreased motivation to do anything. It is also one of Wilms tumor symptoms.
Patients with kidney cancer often lose their appetite, which will gradually lead to unintentional weight loss.
Unexplained weight loss is another symptom of kidney cancer. Those losing weight without any diet or lifestyle changes should see a doctor for a proper evaluation.
Excessive sweating during sleep is also found to be one of the common kidney tumor symptoms
Rarely, patients with kidney cancer may have swollen lymph nodes in their necks. This symptom could be caused by other types of cancer too, and therefore, it is important to see a doctor for a thorough evaluation.
Kidney failure could be one of the kidney cancer symptoms seen in the advanced stages. It is also one of the symptoms of angiomyolipoma.
Smoking is an important risk factor, and the carcinogens present in tobacco increase kidney cancer risk.
Obesity is one of the possible kidney cancer causes, as it causes inflammation and hormonal imbalances in the body.
Chronic high blood pressure (hypertension) is one of the potential kidney cancer causes.
Previous cancer treatments, especially radiation therapy directed towards the abdomen or pelvis, could also be one of the possible kidney cancer causes.
Certain genetic mutations can cause von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease and hereditary papillary renal cell carcinoma (HPRCC) and can predispose individuals to kidney cancer.
Long-term dialysis could also be one of the possible renal cell carcinoma causes, as it leads to inflammation and toxic build-up in the kidneys.
Having a rare genetic condition, Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC), can increase the risk of kidney cancer.
Individuals with VHL have an increased risk of kidney cancer.
Being exposed to chlorinated chemicals like trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (PCE) can serve as one of the potential kidney cancer causes.
Having a positive family history of kidney cancer can increase the risk of this disease. As one of the possible kidney cancer causes, it causes about 4-6% of kidney cancer cases.
Those experiencing persistent symptoms that may indicate kidney cancer should consider seeing a doctor for a proper medical evaluation and prompt medical attention.
Kidney cancer is best treated when it is diagnosed in its early stages. Early detection plays a pivotal role in preventing kidney cancer from progressing to advanced stages. Today, we have highly advanced diagnostic protocols available for kidney cancer diagnosis, which help specialists precisely diagnose this condition and come up with the best renal cancer treatment plan. The following are the different diagnostic tests recommended for kidney cancer:
A physical exam involves examining the abdominal region for the presence of a mass or lump on the sides or back. The doctor will also look for other signs of kidney cancer. If the chances of kidney cancer are higher, the doctor will recommend additional tests for renal cell carcinoma diagnosis.
A basic or complete metabolic panel (CMP) is a blood test that determines the levels of 14 different components in the blood. This test provides doctors with comprehensive information about the metabolic activities in the body.
A complete blood count (CBC) may also be recommended to look for signs of kidney cancer. Abnormal levels of blood cells can indicate the presence of cancer in some cases.
Urinalysis is another important test recommended for diagnosing kidney cancer. The presence of blood and abnormal levels of proteins may indicate the presence of kidney cancer.
Doctors may also recommend tests to look for serum creatinine levels. This is an important test recommended for the diagnosis of kidney cancer. Anomalies in the creatinine levels indicate that the kidneys are not functioning properly and may need further medical attention.
Ultrasound is another non-invasive diagnostic test recommended for diagnosing kidney cancer. This test uses sound waves to obtain images of the kidneys and nearby tissues and look for the presence of cancerous masses.
Other tests done to stage kidney masses are CT and MRI. These tests help in renal cell carcinoma diagnosis by generating detailed images of the kidneys and surrounding tissues.
Kidney cancer often metastasizes to the bones, lungs, liver, and brain. A bone scan and chest x-ray are recommended to determine if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
A biopsy helps doctors in definitive renal cancer diagnosis. This test procedure involves obtaining a tissue sample from the part of the kidney that is suspected to have cancer and examining it for the presence of cancer cells.
The tumor grade is decided based on how tumor cells look under the microscope. In some cases, the tumor cells look very similar to normal cells, and in other cases, they look very different from normal cells. Based on this factor, kidney cancers are graded from grade 1 to grade 4, as per the Fuhrman system.
Grade 1 kidney cancer cells have a strong resemblance to normal kidney cells, and they tend to grow at a much slower rate.
Grade 2 kidney cancer cells look somewhat like normal kidney cells. Grade 2 kidney cancer has a faster growth rate than grade 1 kidney cancer and a tendency to spread to other parts of the body.
The cells of grade 3 kidney cancer look very different than normal kidney cells. Grade 3 kidney cancer is aggressive and readily spreads to different parts of the body.
The cells of grade 4 kidney cancer look like muscle or nerve cells. Kidney cancers in grade 4 are very aggressive and spread quickly to different parts of the body.
Depending on the extent to which the disease has spread, the staging of kidney cancer is done. The commonly used staging systems are the TNM system and the number system.
In this system, kidney cancer is staged based on how large the tumor is (T), its spread to nodes (N), and its spread (metastasis) to distant organs (M).
This procedure involves targeting the tumor with an external radiation source, a linear accelerator, or LINAC. Radiosurgery is a non-invasive procedure that precisely targets cancer cells and destroys them.
The tumor is larger. However, the tumor is still localized.
The tumor has grown larger, and it has spread to major blood vessels and tissues nearby but has not reached the adrenal gland.
The tumor has spread to the adrenal gland and other nearby organs, namely the liver, spleen, or intestine.
The disease has not spread to nearby lymph nodes.
The disease has spread to nearby lymph nodes.
The disease has not spread to distant parts of the body.
The disease has spread to distant parts of the body, such as the brain, lungs, and bones.
In this system, the staging of kidney cancer from stage 1 to stage 4 is done based on the extent of the disease. Stage 1 kidney cancers are smaller in size and are localized to the organ, whereas stage 4 kidney cancers refer to advanced cancers that have spread to distant organs.
The tumor is localized, and its size is not more than 7 centimeters.
The tumor is localized; however, its size is more than 7 centimeters
In stage 3, kidney cancer may start spreading to the nearby lymph nodes or the critical blood vessels and tissues.
In stage 4, kidney cancer spreads to nearby and distant organs.
Before administering kidney tumor treatment, the doctors consider a myriad of factors, namely the type of kidney cancer, the stage and grade of kidney cancer, its exact location, and the age and overall health status of the patient. After thoroughly assessing these factors, doctors devise a personalized treatment plan that may include one or more of the following:
Surgery is the most commonly recommended kidney cancer treatment. This treatment approach involves the removal of the tumor and a small portion of healthy tissue that surrounds it. Surgery is a highly effective renal cancer treatment option if the tumor is small and localized. It is also one of the most recommended renal cell carcinoma treatments
Nephrectomy involves the surgical removal of the kidney, the tube that connects the kidney to the bladder, and the fatty tissues that surround the kidney.
As the name suggests, partial nephrectomy refers to the partial surgical removal of the kidney. This way, the patient would not lose the entire organ.
The minimally invasive procedures involve the removal of the tumor or the organ affected by the tumor using small incisions. Laparoscopic surgery and robotic surgery are the two forms of minimally invasive surgeries available for kidney or renal cancer treatment.These procedures benefit patients in numerous ways, from shorter hospital stays to fewer treatment-related complications to a faster recovery after the procedure.
Cytoreductive nephrectomy is recommended for patients with advanced kidney cancer to reduce the tumor load and improve their quality of life. This procedure is often followed by systemic medications for more effective disease management.
Metastasectomy refers to the removal of tumors that have formed due to the spreading of kidney cancer to other parts of the body. This kidney cancer treatment approach helps prolong the survival of kidney cancer patients.
Non-surgical treatment of kidney cancer largely involves treating kidney cancers with the help of cold and heat. These treatments are largely recommended for those who are not fit enough to undergo surgery, older patients, and patients with underlying heart diseases.
Cryoablation is largely recommended for early-stage kidney cancer, and it involves using cold temperatures to destroy kidney cancer cells. During the procedure, cold gas is injected into the tumor through a thin needle. This is usually a laparoscopic procedure that is done using tiny incisions. The rapid freezing and thawing of the cancer cells deprive them of blood, oxygen, and other nutrients and thereby cause their death. The needles are guided using CT or ultrasound scans.
This procedure destroys kidney cancer cells using heat. During the procedure, multiple needles are inserted into the tumor to induce heat through electric current or radiowaves. The heat generated will destroy the cancer cells. The needles for radiofrequency ablation are guided with the help of CT or ultrasound scans.
Advanced kidney cancers will often demand a multimodal approach for their efficient management. The treatment plan for advanced kidney cancer often includes surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy. These treatments help delay disease progression and prolong survival. Recurrent kidney cancer, on the other hand, will also need multimodal treatment. Recurrent cancers are treated with extra attention. Recurrent kidney cancer treatment involves surgery, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and chemotherapy. Adhering to stringent follow-up protocols can help reduce the risk of cancer recurrences or catch them in their early stages.
Surgery as a renal cell carcinoma treatment, or recurrent kidney tumor treatment, involves the surgical removal of the maximum amount of cancer tissue in the kidney and the nearby organs. The primary goal of performing surgery for advanced kidney cancer is to reduce the tumor load, delay disease progression, and prolong survival. Surgery is a highly effective renal cancer treatment option if the tumor is small and localized. It is also one of the most recommended renal cell carcinoma treatments
Targeted therapy is a new-age cancer kidney cancer treatment approach that focuses on targeting the specific protein molecules that are responsible for the growth and multiplication of cancer cells. Targeted therapy for kidney cancer works by either killing the cancer cells or controlling their growth.
Angiogenesis is the process through which cancer cells produce new blood vessels for their growth. Anti-angiogenesis therapy is a form of targeted therapy that focuses on blocking angiogenesis, which leads to starving the cancer cells and eventually their death.
evacizumab (Avastin) is an antibody that can slow down tumor growth in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma.
TKIs are targeted therapy drugs that work by blocking the proteins necessary for cancer cell growth. This helps delay the progression of the disease.
mTOR inhibitors delay the progression of cancer and reduce tumor size by blocking the pathways important for cancer cell growth. mTor is a combination of drugs called Everolimus (Afinitor) and Temsirolimus (Torisel), which block a protein that assists in the growth of kidney cancer.
HIF2a inhibitors target a specific protein that is responsible for the growth of kidney cancer. By inhibiting tumor growth, this targeted therapy drug works by controlling tumor growth.
This is a promising kidney tumor treatment approach that combines anti-angiogenesis inhibitors, which block angiogenesis, with immunotherapy to boost the body’s immune system to launch an attack against cancer cells.
Immunotherapy involves stimulating the patient’s immune system to recognize and launch an attack against cancer cells in the body. Immunotherapy is often used in combination with other renal cell carcinoma treatments for better clinical outcomes. Immunotherapy for kidney cancer stage 4 has been found to show promising results with respect to disease management.
Chemotherapy is another treatment approach available for renal cell carcinoma. This treatment approach uses powerful drugs to destroy cancer cells and prevent the growth of new cancer cells.
For kidney cancer treatment, radiation therapy is recommended in rare cases. Radiation therapy for kidney cancer involves using powerful radiation beams to destroy kidney cancer cells.
Clinical trials help kidney cancer patients access new treatment approaches, breakthrough drugs, etc., which could help in the effective management of the disease. Patients are usually asked to opt for clinical trials when conventional treatment approaches don’t work
Alternative medicine plays a pivotal role in kidney tumor or kidney cancer management. Unlike main treatments, alternative medicine does not treat the disease, instead, it focuses on reducing the pain and discomfort caused by the disease and improving the quality of life for patients.
Art therapy can help cancer patients cope with their stress, anxiety, and depression.
Exercise has a positive impact on physical and mental health among cancer patients. It also helps reduce pain and improve sleep quality.
Massage therapy helps in alleviating pain and stress by improving blood circulation. It also improves sleep quality.
Meditation can help cancer patients practice mindfulness, which plays an important role in managing stress and anxiety, improving focus, and maintaining a positive outlook. Meditation positively impacts sleep quality, too.
Music therapy is also found to reduce stress, boost mood, and help cancer patients relax.
Certain relaxation exercises can help cancer patients relax and rest better. Commonly recommended relaxation exercises include deep breathing, guided imagery, and progressive muscle relaxation.
As a personal belief system, spirituality may aid in comforting patients and helping them stay strong and have a positive outlook throughout their journey.
Along with their main treatment, cancer patients will need care and support. They need to have a strong support system that is going to help them stay strong and motivated. The following are some healthy coping strategies for those dealing with kidney cancer:
Both patients and their caregivers need to have enough understanding of the disease. The better the understanding, the better the health decisions.
Consuming nourishing foods, performing relaxing exercises, taking warm baths, spending time in nature, etc., are a few ways cancer patients can take care of themselves.
While undergoing cancer treatment, cancer patients must take some time for themselves. Activities like talking to a friend, spending time on hobbies, trying different relaxation techniques, getting a massage, etc., can help patients take their minds off the treatment and relax.
Having a strong support network is extremely important for those dealing with cancer. This support system or support network may help patients feel that they are seen, heard, and understood. This will have a positive impact on their mental health.
Mental health counseling should be considered if the patient is experiencing emotional and mental distress. Psycho-oncologists can help cancer patients understand their triggers and manage them effectively through healthy coping mechanisms.
HCG is the leading kidney cancer treatment hospital in India. The uro-oncologists at HCG specialize in providing superior diagnostic and treatment support to patients dealing with kidney malignancies. By making the care approach more personalized and patient-centric, HCG strives to ensure that every patient that walks in receives the best renal cancer treatment.
Increasing age is a key risk factor for kidney cancer. Most kidney cancer cases are diagnosed among individuals aged 45 and older. As we age, we are exposed to more risk factors and genetic changes, and this also makes increasing age an important kidney cancer risk factor.
Smoking is a well-established risk factor for kidney cancer. The carcinogens (cancer-causing chemicals) present in tobacco hamper kidney health and lead to kidney cancer formation. These carcinogens cause genetic changes, inflammation, and cellular damage, which contribute to tumor formation.
Obesity is one of the most important renal cell carcinoma risk factors. The accumulation of excess fat around the waistline can lead to hormonal changes and inflammation, which in turn, can trigger the development of kidney cancer.
High blood pressure, or hypertension, can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys. Chronic hypertension is a risk factor for kidney cancer. Those with high blood pressure should opt for necessary medical intervention to reduce their kidney cancer risk.
Those who have undergone treatment for kidney failure also have an increased kidney cancer risk. Kidney failure treatments, such as long-term dialysis and kidney transplant, are also found to be important RCC risk factors, due to their tendency to cause inflammation.
Certain inherited syndromes are also found to increase the risk of kidney cancer. These include von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) syndrome, Birt-Hogg-Dube (BHD) syndrome, hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell carcinoma (HLRCC), hereditary papillary renal cell carcinoma (HPRCC), tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) syndrome, BAP1 tumor predisposition syndrome (BAP1 TPS), and succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) complex syndrome.
Those diagnosed with these genetic conditions should consider seeing a genomics specialist for genetic counseling and testing.
Those with a family history of kidney cancer have a higher chance of being diagnosed with this condition. Those who identify themselves with this renal cancer risk factor must talk to a specialist for appropriate measures and guidelines that can help reduce their kidney cancer risk.
Overuse of certain medications also becomes one of the renal cell carcinoma risk factors, by causing kidney damage, inflammation, or kidney infections. Therefore, it is important to avoid the overuse of medications that negatively impact kidney health.
Some of the medications that may cause kidney damage include analgesics (ibuprofen, aspirin, etc.), antibiotics (aminoglycosides, amphotericin B, etc.), diuretics (furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide, etc.), and proton-pump inhibitors (omeprazole, rabeprazole, etc.).
Chronic kidney disease can also serve as an important risk factor for kidney cancer, as it causes inflammation and toxic build-up. Another way CKD increases abnormal cell growth is by triggering excess production of RBCs.
It is important to manage chronic kidney diseases efficiently, and more importantly, it is necessary to take good care of the kidneys.
Long-term dialysis is also one of the key renal cancer risk factors, and it increases one’s kidney cancer risk by five times. Many studies have reported that it is not the dialysis that contributes to the increased cancer risk, but the chronic kidney disease that it is administered to treat.
Those who have undergone radiation therapy for cancers in the pelvis region are at a higher risk of developing kidney cancer.
Von Hippel-Lindau disease is a genetic condition that leads to the formation of tumors in multiple organs. Having this condition increases kidney cancer risk.
HPRCC occurs when there is a mutation in the MET gene, which is responsible for cell growth regulation.
BHD is caused by a mutation in the FLCN gene, which plays a role in cell growth regulation. Having this genetic disorder increases the risk of both benign and malignant kidney tumors.
HLRCC occurs due to a mutation in the fumarate hydratase gene, which plays a role in cell growth regulation. HLRCC increases the risk of renal cell carcinomas that have the characteristics of papillary RCC and collecting duct RCC.
TSC syndrome is caused by mutations in the TSC1 or TSC2 genes that play a role in cell growth regulation. Those with TSC syndrome are at a higher risk of developing kidney cancer.
SDH complex syndrome occurs when mutations occur in SDHA, SDHB, SDHC, or SDHD genes that are responsible for cell growth regulation. Those with SDH complex syndrome have an increased kidney cancer risk
BAP1 TPS is caused by mutations in the BAP1 gene, which helps regulate cell growth. Individuals diagnosed with BAP1 TPS have a higher kidney cancer risk.
