Kidney Cancer

The most typical type, occurring in approximately 90% of kidney cancers, RCC arises from the lining of small tubes within the kidney. It can remain local or metastasize to other areas of the body, particularly if not detected early.

A type of RCC, it consists of cells that appear clear in the microscope. It's a very aggressive form but is known to respond quite effectively to targeted drugs and immunotherapy. It's the most common type and can metastasize if not addressed in time.

Second most frequent RCC subtype, characterized by finger-like projections and either type 1 (slow-growing) or type 2 (aggressive). Frequently associated with genetic disorders, potentially found incidentally during imaging for other reasons.

This is a rare type that accounts for approximately 5% of RCCs. It grows slowly and has a more favorable prognosis than clear cell RCC. Cells are pale and distinct, and tumors are usually large at the time of diagnosis but have lower chances of metastasis. A very rare and aggressive form, this starts in the kidney ducts that drain urine. It develops rapidly and tends to spread by the time of diagnosis, needing aggressive treatment with a poor outlook.

Certain tumors don't fall into any particular group and are referred to as unclassified RCC. These tend to be high-grade and more aggressive, requiring a combination of treatments based on the patient's condition and how the tumor is behaving.

An abdominal mass that occurs most commonly in children younger than 5 years, Wilms tumor is a childhood kidney cancer. Most are treated with surgery combined with chemotherapy and radiation in some cases, and are very curable with excellent survival rates in the early stages.

Also referred to as urothelial carcinoma, this form begins in the renal pelvis (area of the kidney that leads to the ureter). It is more like bladder cancer and might need to be treated differently from usual RCCs.