CancerICD-10: C64About 81,000 new cases diagnosed annually in the U.S.
Kidney Cancer
Also known as: Renal Cell Carcinoma, RCC, Renal Cancer
Kidney cancer, most commonly renal cell carcinoma, originates in the kidney tubule lining and is often detected incidentally on imaging. Early-stage kidney cancer usually causes no symptoms. When caught early, it is highly treatable with 5-year survival rates exceeding 75% for localized disease.
Symptoms
Blood in the urine (hematuria)
Persistent pain in the side or lower back
A mass or lump in the side or abdomen
Unexplained weight loss
Fatigue
Intermittent fever not caused by infection
Swelling of the ankles or legs
Causes
- Mutations in kidney cells leading to uncontrolled growth
- Inherited genetic syndromes (von Hippel-Lindau disease)
- Exact cause in most cases is unknown
Risk Factors
- Smoking (doubles the risk)
- Obesity
- High blood pressure
- Long-term dialysis
- Family history of kidney cancer
- Exposure to certain workplace chemicals
Diagnosis
- CT scan or MRI of the abdomen
- Renal ultrasound as initial screening
- Biopsy (not always needed if imaging is diagnostic)
- Chest CT and bone scan for staging
- Blood tests (CBC, renal function, calcium)
Treatment
- Partial nephrectomy for small, localized tumors
- Radical nephrectomy for larger tumors
- Active surveillance for very small masses
- Targeted therapy (sunitinib, pazopanib, cabozantinib)
- Immunotherapy (nivolumab, ipilimumab, pembrolizumab)
- Ablation therapy for small tumors in non-surgical candidates
Prevention
- Quit smoking
- Maintain a healthy weight and blood pressure
- Stay hydrated and maintain kidney health
- Minimize occupational carcinogen exposure
When to See a Doctor
- You notice blood in your urine
- Persistent back or side pain with no known cause
- You feel a mass in your side or abdomen
- Unexplained weight loss or fever persists
Frequently Asked Questions
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