Papillary renal cell carcinoma

Overview

Papillary renal cell carcinoma: A type of kidney cancer that accounts for 15 to 20% of renal carcinomas. It occurs in both sporadic and familial forms. Hereditary papillary renal carcinoma is characterized by the development of multiple papillary tumors in both kidneys. The pattern of inheritance is consistent with autosomal dominant transmission with reduced penetrance. The disorder is distinct from other forms of inherited kidney cancer.

Symptoms

  • Palpable mass
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Malaise
  • Weight loss
  • Lethargy
  • Blood in urine
  • Pain
  • Lower back pain
  • Red urine
  • Brown urine

Causes

There is a hereditary form of this carcinoma called hereditary papillary renal carcinoma which is caused by chromosomal translocation. This genetic form of the disease results in multiple tumors forming in both kidneys. While similar to von Hippel-Lindau syndrome and Birt-Hogg-Dube syndrome in being hereditary, it is a distinct disease.

Besides heredity, there are some more general risk factors for renal cell carcinoma, including male gender, being African American, being over 60; smoking cigarettes, obesity, having high blood pressure, and a high calorie diet. Occupational exposure to chemicals and substances, including asbestos and cadmium, can also increase risk. In addition, medical treatments, such as dialysis, and certain medications, including pain killers and diuretics, can increase a person’s risk of getting a renal cell carcinoma.

Diagnosis

  • Colon & Rectal Cancer Testing -Colorectal Cancer Tests -Fecal Occult Bleeding Tests
  • Bladder & Urinary Health Testing: -Bladder Tests -Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Tests -Cystitis Tests -Kidney Tests -Urine Protein Tests (Kidney Function) -Prostate Cancer Tests
  • Kidney Health Testing: -Microalbumin Tests (Kidney) -Urine Protein Tests (Kidney) -Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Tests

Treatment

The list of treatments mentioned in various sources for Papillary renal cell carcinoma includes the following list. Always seek professional medical advice about any treatment or change in treatment plans.

  • Surgery - only curative option is complete resection of the tumor
  • Radiotherapy - For palliative management of inoperable symptomatic tumors and metastatic disease
  • Multikinase inhibitors - Used to improve survival in advanced disease - Sorafenib, Sunitinib, Temsirolimus, Everolimus
  • Biological therapies - Used to improve survival in advanced disease - Interleukin 2, Interferon