Kidney Cancer

Kidney cancer is a cancer that begins in one or both kidneys. Kidneys filter waste from the blood and make urine. Kidney cancer can grow inside the kidney and, in some cases, spread to nearby tissues or other parts of the body. Many kidney cancers are found early during an ultrasound or scan done for another reason.

Types of Kidney Cancer

Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC)

This is the most common type in adults. It starts from the kidney’s filtering units.

Urothelial (Transitional Cell) Cancer

This starts in the kidney’s drainage area (renal pelvis) and is similar to bladder cancer.

Wilms Tumor

Kidney cancer is mainly seen in children.

Common Symptoms

Early kidney cancer may not cause symptoms. When symptoms appear, they may include:

• Blood in urine (pink, red, or cola-colored)
• Pain in the side or lower back (one side) that does not go away
• A lump or swelling in the side or abdomen
• Unexplained weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Fever that keeps coming and going
• Feeling very tired or weak

Risk Factors

Kidney cancer risk can be higher with:

• Smoking or tobacco use
• High blood pressure
• Overweight or obesity
• Long-term kidney disease or long-term dialysis
• Family history of kidney cancer
• Certain inherited conditions (rare)
• Long-term exposure to some workplace chemicals (in some jobs)

Diagnosis

Doctors may suggest these tests to confirm kidney cancer and check its stage:

Imaging tests

• Ultrasound
• CT scan (often the main test)
• MRI (in selected cases)

Lab tests

• Urine tests (to check for blood or infection)
• Blood tests (kidney function, blood counts, liver tests)

Biopsy (in selected cases)

Sometimes a biopsy is done to confirm the type before starting treatment.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the tumor size, location, stage, and overall health.

Surgery

Often, the main treatment when the cancer can be removed:

• Partial nephrectomy (removes only the tumor part)
• Radical nephrectomy (removes the whole kidney, sometimes nearby tissues)

Targeted therapy

Medicines that block the signals cancer cells use to grow. Used especially in advanced disease.

Immunotherapy

Medicines that help the immune system fight cancer. Used in selected patients.

Radiation therapy

Not usually the main treatment for kidney cancer, but it may be used in some cases to control symptoms.

Supportive care

Medicines to manage pain, nausea, anemia, appetite, and overall comfort during treatment.

When to Seek Medical Help Urgently

Get medical help quickly if you have:

• Heavy blood in urine or blood clots
• Inability to pass urine
• Severe side/back pain with fever or vomiting
• Sudden weakness, dizziness, fainting
• Unexplained fast worsening symptoms

Specialists to Consult

• Urologist
• Medical oncologist
• Surgical oncologist (urologic cancer specialist)
• Radiation oncologist (if needed)

Explore Kidney Cancer Care

This category includes medicines used in kidney cancer treatment and supportive care, chosen as part of a specialist-led treatment plan.