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Cancer care
Kidney Cancer
Overview
What is Kidney Cancer?
Kidney cancer develops when cells in the kidney multiply uncontrollably and keep growing unrestrained, resulting in the more frequent variety, renal cell carcinoma (RCC). It may cause loss of function of the kidney and dissemination to other structures or elsewhere in the body in case the cancer is not addressed. Early course is generally asymptomatic, but late presentations include hematuria, pain in the flank, or unexplained loss of desired weight.
Kidney Cancer Types
Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC)
- 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.
Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma
- 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.
Papillary Renal Cell Carcinoma
- 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.
Chromophobe Renal Cell Carcinoma
- 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.
Unclassified Renal Cell Carcinoma
- 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.
Wilms Tumor (Nephroblastoma)
- 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.
Transitional Cell Carcinoma of the Renal Pelvis
- 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.
Kidney Cancer Symptoms
This is usually the first symptom you'll notice.
What’s Notable
- Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC) makes up around 85–90% of all kidney cancers.
- Surgery is the main treatment for localized kidney cancer and can be curative in early stages.
- Men are twice as likely to be diagnosed with kidney cancer as women.
When to Seek Help
Blood in the urine (even once or a small amount), persistent lower back pain on one side (especially below the ribs), a lump or mass in the side or back, unexplained weight loss, fatigue or weakness without cause, fluctuating fever not linked to infections, loss of appetite or feeling full quickly, and swelling of the legs or ankles without other medical reasons are important signs that should prompt medical evaluation.
Kidney Cancer Causes & Risk Factors
Smoking
Smoking increases the risk of kidney cancer, especially renal cell carcinoma, by a very large extent. Cigarette toxins are filtered by the kidneys and gradually destroy them.
Obesity
Excess fat in the body disturbs hormone levels and raises inflammation, which promotes the growth of kidney tumors.
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
Lifestyle or genetically uncontrolled hypertension is linked to a greater risk of kidney cancer.
Family History
Having a close relative with kidney cancer raises your risk, particularly if associated with inherited syndromes such as von Hippel-Lindau disease or hereditary papillary renal carcinoma.
Occupational Exposures
Recurrent exposure to carcinogenic chemicals like cadmium, asbestos, or trichloroethylene can raise the risk of kidney cancer.
Chronic Kidney Disease & Dialysis
Individuals who have reduced kidney function or are on chronic dialysis have an increased risk for cyst formation or other cellular alterations in the kidneys.
Gender and Age
Men are close to twice as likely to get kidney cancer as women, and the risk accelerates significantly after age 50.
Certain Medications
Long-term use of some pain medicines or diuretics may boost the risk of kidney cancer.
Kidney Cancer Diagnosis
Initial Symptoms & Check-up
Step 1: Initial Symptoms & Check-up
Symptoms such as blood in the urine (hematuria), ongoing back or side pain, unexpected weight loss, or tiredness lead to a doctor or urologist.
Kidney Cancer Treatment & Therapy
Chemotherapy
- What it does
- Kills rapidly growing bladder cancer cells throughout the body.
- Treated for
- Not often used in kidney cancer; sometimes an option in specific rare types such as sarcomatoid renal cell carcinoma.
- Recovery
- Generally minimal benefit; side effects include fatigue, nausea, low blood counts, and hair loss.
Targeted Therapy
- What it does
- Interferes with proteins or pathways (such as VEGF or mTOR) that drive tumor growth and metastases.
- Treated for
- Metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC), particularly clear cell histology.
- Common medications
- Sunitinib, Pazopanib, Axitinib, Everolimus.
- Recovery
- Pills by mouth; side effects controlled are diarrhea, hypertension, and fatigue.
Immunotherapy
- What it does
- Boosts immune response to detect and attack cancer cells.
- Used for
- First-line and metastatic/superior RCC.
- Drugs used
- Nivolumab, Ipilimumab, Pembrolizumab, Atezolizumab.
- Recovery
- Can produce immune-related side effects such as fatigue, rash, or organ inflammation; monitoring is necessary.
Management & Prevention
Nutritional Restoration
- Meet with an oncology dietitian to develop a customized, fiber-rich, protein-fortified, and gut-friendly diet to help restore your strength and nutrients.
Bowel Care
- Take control with medications, scheduled meals, and physical therapy to normalize post-surgery or radiation-induced bowel alterations.
Post-Surgical Recovery
- Progressive mobility, pain control, and wound management enable you to return to daily routines safely following procedures such as colectomy or ileostomy.
Why Choose Everhope Kidney Cancer?
At Everhope, our dedicated team supports your journey with advanced care, compassionate guidance, and lasting hope.
- 4M
- New cases annually
- 1.7 M
- Deaths from kidney cancer worldwide.
- 19K
- Cases in India annually.
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Questions
FAQs on Kidney Cancer
No question is too small when it comes to your care
What are the early warning signs of kidney cancer?
Blood in the urine (even a small amount), persistent pain in the side or lower back, a lump or swelling, unexplained weight loss, and fatigue are common early symptoms.
Can kidney cancer be cured?
Yes, if detected early, kidney cancer can often be treated successfully with surgery, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy.
When should I see a doctor?
If you notice blood in your urine, persistent back or side pain, unexplained weight loss, or any unusual swelling, you should seek medical evaluation promptly.
What causes kidney cancer?
Risk factors include smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, and family history, although many cases have no clear cause.
How is kidney cancer diagnosed?
Doctors use imaging tests such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI, alongside urine and blood tests, and sometimes a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.
Find a Hospital Near You
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