RISK FACTORS

There are environmental risk factors potentially related to renal cell carcinoma. Smoking doubles the risk of patients having renal cell carcinoma. Phenacetin-containing pain killers appear to have a higher association of renal tumors, particularly if they are abused or over-used. There is also a suggestion that some heavy metals, such as exposure to lead and cadmium, may also increase renal cell carcinoma.

There are also hereditary risk factors. There are some gene mutations in rare syndromes like tuberous sclerosis and von Hippel Lindau Disease that are associated with an increased risk of developing kidney tumors. Most often in tuberous sclerosis these tumors are benign. In von Hippel Lindau Disease, they are usually malignant. von Hippel Lindau Disease is characterized by multiple tumors of the kidneys, brain, spine and eyes, but fortunately is rare and occurs in about I in 36,000 births. It does occur in families and can be genetically transmitted by an abnormality on the third chromosome. Other risk factors include long-term dialysis. Patients may develop cysts and have a slightly increased incidence of renal tumors. It has also been suggested that people who are overweight and eat a high fat diet may have greater risk.