Renal Cell Cancer Flashcards
Define Renal Cell Cancer?
Primary malignancy of the kidneys
What is the aetiology of Renal Cell Cancer?
Renal Clear Cell Carcinoma (80%)
Papillary Carcinoma (10%)
Transitional Cell Carcinoma (10%) - occur at the renal pelvis
What are the risk factors for Renal Cell Cancer?
von Hippel-Lindau disease Tuberous Sclerosis Polycystic Kidney Disease Familial Renal Cell Cancer Smoking Chronic Dialysis
What is von Hippel-Lindau Disease?
Mutation in the von Hippel-Lindau protein, which causes headaches, balance issues, dizziness, limb weakness, vision problems and high BP
What is Tuberous Sclerosis?
A rare genetic disease that causes benign tumours to grow in the brain and other organs (e.g. skin, kidneys, lungs, eyes)
What is Strauffer’s Syndrome?
When Renal Cell Cancer can cause abnormal LFTs in the absence of liver metastases
What is the epidemiology of Renal Cell Cancer?
UNCOMMON
3% of all adult malignancies
Peak Incidence: 40-60 yrs
What are the presenting symptoms of Renal Cell Carcinoma?
Usually presents late Asymptomatic in 90% Triad of symptoms: - Haematuria - Flank Pain - Abdominal Mass
What are the presenting symptoms of Transitional Cell Carcinoma?
Presents earlier with haematuria
What are the systemic signs of malignancy?
Weight Loss
Malaise
Paraneoplastic syndromes (e.g. fever, hypercalcaemia, polycythaemia)
What are the signs of Renal Cell Cancer on physical examination?
Palpable renal mass
Hypertension
Plethora
Anaemia
What’s important to remember with Renal Cell Cancer on physical examination?
A left-sided tumour can obstruct the left testicular pain as it joins the left renal vein and cause a left-sided varicocoele
What investigations would you do for Renal Cell Cancer?
Urinalysis
Bloods
Abdominal US
CT/MRI
What would you see on an Urinalysis?
Haematuria
Cytology
What bloods would you do for Renal Cell Cancer?
FBC U&Es Calcium LFTs High ESR (in 75%)
