RCC or Renal cell carcinoma is a condition in which cancer cells are formed in the lining of the tubules in the kidney. It is also called renal adenocarcinoma, kidney cancer or hypernephroma. It usually affects adults. Renal cell carcinoma is also a fast-growing cancer and can easily spread to the lungs and surrounding organs.

Treatment of renal cell carcinoma includes the following;

• Chemotherapy:  This treatment involves the use of drugs to kill the cancer cells.

Depending on the type of medication chosen, chemotherapy can be given either orally or intravenously. It allows the drugs to enter the bloodstream and target the cancer cells that have spread to the other parts of the body. This allows the drugs to enter the bloodstream and target the cancer cells that have spread to other parts of the body.

Radiation:  Radiation therapy makes use of X-Rays (high energy) to kill the cancer cells. This therapy may be placed internally by using seeds or wires or can be given externally using a machine.

Surgery:  Surgery includes many procedures. A part of the kidney is removed during partial nephrectomy while the entire kidney is removed during a nephrectomy. Radical nephrectomy is an extensive surgery which is performed in case cancer has spread to other areas of your body to remove the lymph nodes, surrounding tissues, and adrenal gland. However, if both the kidneys are removed then either a transplant or dialysis will be necessary.

Another treatment of renal cell carcinoma known as Targeted Therapy may also be performed. This therapy targets the proteins, tissues or cancer specific genes of the cancer cells. This treatment helps in preventing the growth of the cancer cells thereby limiting the damage to the healthy cells. Two popular targeted therapy includes Anti-angiogenesis therapy and mTOR inhibitors.

Where can you avail treatment for renal cell carcinoma?

• MD Anderson Cancer Center- It has a strong presence throughout the Greater Houston area and collaboration with various community hospitals and health systems across the nation.
• Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center-It has centers in New York City, Long Island, New Jersey and Westchester.
• Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida
• Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio