Can Asbestos Exposure Cause Kidney Cancer?

The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs located in the back middle of your abdomen. The main purpose of these organs is to filter the blood of impurities such as salts and toxins. During this process, the kidneys can come into contact with dangerous and even carcinogenic substances that may be in the blood. Sometimes, this can lead to kidney cancer, also called renal cancer.

One carcinogenic substance that has been linked to kidney cancer is asbestos. Although doctors do not yet know if this material directly causes renal cancer, studies have shown that people who have been exposed to asbestos have a higher risk of developing renal cancer later.

Kidney Filtration and Asbestos

When the body comes into contact with asbestos, it is unable to digest these fibers to break them down. Instead, asbestos particles can become trapped in the body, where they can later cause cancerous nodules to develop. In some cases, the bloodstream can pick up the microscopic particles of asbestos, where they are later filtered out by the kidneys. Here, the fibers can remain permanently.

Signs of Kidney Cancer

Problems such as cysts or infection in the kidneys can cause similar symptoms as kidney cancer. However, if you are experiencing these symptoms, you should still talk to your doctor about testing to determine the cause. Signs of kidney cancer include:

• Malaise
• Unintentional weight loss
• Fever
• Blood in the urine
• Fatigue
• Pain in the side

As with other types of cancer, the prognosis for renal cancer depends on the stage at which it is first detected and treated. Thus, if you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, it is important to talk to your doctor.

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If you have worked in an industry that used asbestos, you may be at higher risk for renal cancer. To learn more about the dangers of asbestos as well as its cancer risks, please fill out the contact form located at the top of the page today.