Causes of Renal Cancer
There are a number of risk factors associated with renal cell cancer. Most of these causes of renal cell carcinoma fall into two categories – hereditary and environmental. A family history of the cancer increases the risk of an individual developing renal cell carcinoma. Inherited syndromes – von Hippel-Lindau disease, tuberous sclerosis, Birt-Hogg-Dube Syndrome, papillary renal cell carcinoma, leiomyomatosis renal cell carcinoma – have been known to increase likelihood of renal cancer development. These syndromes are all characterized by an increased incidence of tumor formation in various parts of the body. Usually the tumors associated with these syndromes are benign; nevertheless, their presence increases the risk for developing renal cell carcinoma. Individuals with these hereditary syndromes should undergo frequent tests for renal cancer.
Exposure to environmental hazards through work and everyday life can also attribute to the development of renal cell carcinoma. Coal workers in steal plants have an increased risk of developing renal cancer as are individuals exposed to radiation. A number of other environmental and occupation hazards have been liked to this cancer: cadmium, a metal; organic solvents, specifically trichloroethylene; some herbicides; benzene; and asbestos.
A higher incidence of renal cell cancer is linked to other factors as well. Smoking is a major risk factor, especially pipes and cigars; smokers are twice as likely to develop renal cancer as non-smokers. The risk level decreases after one quits, but it will take years to get to the risk level of a non-smoker. Obesity and a sedentary lifestyle may also cause renal cell carcinoma. Individuals that are overweight account for nearly a third of the cases of renal cancer and those that are inactive have a higher risk factor than those that exercise regularly. Gender and age are common risk factors as well. Men are twice as likely to develop metastatic kidney cancer, especially when over the age of 60. Men may be more susceptible because they often hold positions where they are exposed to occupational hazards and are more likely to smoke. The long-term misuse or abuse of pain medications can also increase the likelihood of renal carcinoma development. The presence of other kidney disorders and past need for dialysis create a strong case for kidney cancer development. Dialysis is thought to weaken the immune system while other kidney disorders impair normal kidney functioning.