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Kidney cancer is a disease where abnormal cells grow in the tissues of one or both kidneys. The kidneys are two organs located on either side of your backbone, just above your waist. Their job is to filter waste and extra fluid from your blood to make urine. Kidney cancer happens when cells in the kidney start to grow uncontrollably, forming a tumor.
There are several types of kidney cancer. The most common in adults is called renal cell carcinoma (RCC), which starts in the lining of tiny tubes inside the kidney. Another type is transitional cell cancer (TCC), which forms in the part of the kidney where urine collects. Wilms tumor is a rare type of kidney cancer that usually affects children.
Understanding kidney cancer is important because it can affect how you feel and what treatments you might need. Early kidney cancer often causes no symptoms, so it may be found during tests for other reasons. As it grows, symptoms like blood in the urine, a lump in the abdomen, or pain in the side may appear. Some inherited genetic conditions can increase the risk of kidney cancer, which may affect screening and care decisions.
Treatment varies depending on the type and stage of cancer, your age, and overall health. Options include surgery to remove the tumor or kidney, medicines like chemotherapy or targeted therapy, and sometimes radiation. Knowing the type of kidney cancer helps doctors choose the best treatment plan.
You might hear terms like renal cell carcinoma, transitional cell cancer, or Wilms tumor when discussing kidney cancer. Your doctor may talk about symptoms such as blood in the urine or a lump in your belly. Tests to diagnose kidney cancer often include blood and urine tests, imaging scans like CT or ultrasound, and sometimes a biopsy, where a small tissue sample is taken.
Medications like targeted therapies may be mentioned, which work by attacking cancer cells specifically. Some drugs, like everolimus (brand name Afinitor), are used to treat kidney cancer and certain other tumors. If you have a family history or genetic conditions, your care team might discuss genetic testing or screening.
Hearing “kidney cancer” can be overwhelming, but it does not always mean the same thing for every person. There are different types of kidney cancer, each with its own behavior and treatment options. For example, Wilms tumor is a childhood kidney cancer and is different from the more common adult types.
Also, not all kidney tumors are cancerous; some may be benign (non-cancerous). Finding a kidney mass on imaging does not always mean cancer. Your doctors will use tests and sometimes a biopsy to understand what kind of tumor it is before deciding on treatment.
Doctors use the term kidney cancer to describe the diagnosis, plan treatment, and monitor progress. They consider the type of kidney cancer, its size, whether it has spread, and your overall health. This helps guide decisions about surgery, medicines, or other treatments. Follow-up care often includes regular imaging and lab tests to watch for changes.
When kidney cancer is part of your care, it can help to ask your doctor questions like: What type of kidney cancer do I have? What stage is it? What treatment options are best for me? What side effects should I expect? How will we monitor my progress? Are there genetic tests I should consider? Understanding these details can help you feel more involved and prepared.
This information is meant to help you understand kidney cancer but does not replace personalized medical advice. If you see the term in your medical records or hear it from your care team, ask them what it means for your specific situation. Your doctors can explain how it fits into your diagnosis, treatment plan, and follow-up care.
If you notice symptoms like blood in your urine, a lump in your abdomen, or unexplained weight loss, contact your health care provider. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve outcomes. Support is available to help you cope with the challenges of kidney cancer, so don’t hesitate to reach out to your care team or support groups.
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