Kidney cancer is the growth of malignant cells in a kidney. The two kidneys, located deep in the body at about the middle of the back, regulate the fluid and electrolyte balance in the body and filter wastes out of the blood into the urine. Urine collects in the portion of the kidney known as the renal pelvis; from there it passes through a narrow conduit (the ureter) to the bladder. There are three distinct types of kidney cancer: Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and transitional cell cancer (TCC) affect adults almost exclusively, while Wilms' tumor usually affects children under age five. RCC (previously called hypernephroma), which arises in tiny tubules deep within the kidney, accounts for 85 percent of all kidney cancers. TCC arises in the renal pelvis and may also be found in the ureter and bladder. The affected kidney may be removed. Only one kidney is necessary to support life so the remaining kidney compensates for the missing one. With early diagnosis and treatment, the outlook for kidney cancer is optimistic, especially for Wilms' tumor.
Symptoms of Kidney Cancer
Blood in the urine. Urine may appear dark,
smoky, or cloudy. However, early in the development
of the cancer, the blood may only be
detected by urinalysis.
Abdominal, back, or flank pain.
Abdominal mass in an infant or child may
indicate Wilms' tumor.
General feeling of poor health.
Fever (with RCC).
Loss of appetite and weight loss.
A variety of systemic symptoms due to hormones
produced by RCC (Renal cell carcinoma).
What Causes Kidney Cancer
The cause of kidney cancer is unknown.
Hereditary factors are thought to play a role in some kidney cancers.
Smokers have a greater risk of kidney cancer.
Patients on dialysis for many years have a greater risk of RCC.
Overuse of certain pain relievers is associated with greater risk of TCC.
Toxic industrial chemicals may promote TCC.
Prevention of Kidney Cancer
Don't smoke.
Avoid high doses or long-term use of analgesics unless recommended by a doctor.
Diagnosis of Kidney Cancer
Patient history and physical examination are needed. The doctor will press upon the flanks and abdomen to detect any abnormal solid masses.
Urine is examined for blood or the presence of cancer cells.
An x-ray of the kidney may be taken after injection with a contrasting dye (intravenous pyelogram).
Ultrasound, CT (computed tomography) scans, or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) may be done to determine the nature of a kidney abnormality and to see if cancer has spread.
Cystoscopy (the use of a thin, lighted tube inserted through the urethra into the bladder) may be used to exclude bladder cancer or to inject contrasting dye into the ureters.
Chest x-rays and bone scans may be used to determine if cancer has spread.
How To Treat Kidney Cancer
For RCC, surgical removal of the affected kidney (nephrectomy) is almost always recommended, unless the cancer has spread to distant sites. For TCC, the renal pelvis or the ureter and part of the bladder may need to be removed.
Radiation and chemotherapy may be used to destroy cancer cells prior to, in conjunction with, or (if cancer has spread to distant sites) instead of surgery.
Experiments with various forms of immunotherapy (interferon, interleukin-2, activated lymphocytes) have shown some promise for RCC that has spread.
Wilms' tumor responds well to a combination of nephrectomy, radiation, and chemotherapy.
When To Call A Doctor
Call a doctor if you notice blood in the urine or develop other signs suggestive of kidney cancer.
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Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is not intended to substitute for the advice of a physician.
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