Can Clear Cell Kidney Cancer Go to the Colon?

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There are several types of kidney cancer. One of them is clear cell, which is also a sub-type of renal cell cancer (the most common type of kidney cancer). Can it go to the colon? Depending on the stage of the cancer, clear cell is often treated successfully. Even if caught early, it may be curable. But if it has become advanced, it can spread to another part of the body and more difficult to treat.

What actually is clear cell kidney cancer?

image_illustration431Renal cell carcinoma develops from cells of kidney’s lining small tubes that filter the blood and produce urine. It is commonly found in elderly people (over 55 years of age). And it is commonly found in men, though it also can affect women.

The stage of the cancer is very important to determine the treatment plan. It can significantly affect the outlook and prognosis of the disease, too. In general, again the cancer is much easier to treat and less likely to come back if caught early.

On the other hand, the cancer is less likely to respond the treatment and more difficult to treat when it has become advanced. For such case – especially if the cancer is aggressive and has spread ‘metastasized’ to other parts of the body – the goal of the treatment is aimed to help control the progression of the cancer.

Renal cell carcinoma has several sub-types, and clear cell carcinoma is one of them. Another subtype is papillary carcinoma, but it is much less common if compared to clear cell carcinoma.

Clear cell carcinoma is the most common subtype of renal cell carcinoma, representing about 75 percent of such cases. And only about 10 percent is papillary carcinoma. There is also another less common subtype of renal cell carcinoma called chromophobe carcinoma – it only accounts about 5 percent.

The identification for subtypes of renal cell carcinoma is based on how the cancer cells look like when closely observed under a special microscope. This observation may also be used to help determine the grade of the cancer, an important variable to estimate how the cancer will behave. See also about types of kidney cancer in this section!

Cancer grading is determined by comparing the cancer cells to normal cells. The greater score of cancer grade means the cancer cells tend to grow aggressively and spread more quickly. And lower grade means they are less likely to become aggressive.

Can clear cell kidney cancer go to the colon?

The primary cancer is a term used to describe a cancerous growth that develops from original cells where it first grows. For instance, cancer in the kidney that develops from cells of the kidney is called primary kidney cancer. It is different to secondary kidney cancer, cancer that first started elsewhere in the body and spreads to the kidney.

The cancer can break off from its original (primary) site and travel through bloodstream (circulation) or/and lymphatic system to other areas of the body – which then eventually may successfully thrive and form a new cancerous growth called secondary cancer. This process is also called ‘metastasis!

Theoretically, the cancer can travel and spread anywhere in the body. But typically, it usually spreads to particular areas of the body. The secondary cancer is usually found in one or two distant organs.

How about kidney cancer, especially for clear cell carcinoma? The secondary cancer associated with clear cell carcinoma is also likely to be found in particular places in the body. Can it also spread to the colon (large intestine)?

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