Overview
Kidney cancer is a cancer that begins in the tissues of one or both kidneys. The most common type in adults is renal cell carcinoma. Some kidney cancers grow slowly, while others are more aggressive, so medical evaluation is important.
Key Symptoms
Possible symptoms include blood in the urine, pain in the side or lower back, and a lump or swelling in the side. Some people also have unexplained weight loss, tiredness, fever, or loss of appetite. Early kidney cancer may cause no symptoms at all.
Causes and Risk Factors
Kidney cancer develops from changes in kidney cells that make them grow abnormally. Risk can be higher in people who smoke, have obesity, or have high blood pressure. Family history, some inherited conditions, long-term kidney disease, and certain workplace exposures may also play a role.
Who Is Affected
Kidney cancer can affect adults of any sex, but it is more often diagnosed later in adulthood. It is uncommon in children, who tend to develop different kidney tumors than adults. Risk patterns can vary across populations and may be influenced by genetics, environment, and access to healthcare.
Prevention
Not all kidney cancers can be prevented, but lowering risk may be possible. Avoiding tobacco, reaching or maintaining a healthy weight, and managing blood pressure may help. Limiting harmful workplace exposures and keeping up with regular medical care are also sensible steps.
Diagnosis and Tests
A healthcare professional may start with a medical history, physical exam, urine testing, and blood tests. Imaging tests such as ultrasound, CT, or MRI are commonly used to look at the kidneys. In some cases, a biopsy or surgery is needed to confirm the type of cancer and help plan treatment.
Treatment Categories
Treatment depends on the size and location of the cancer, whether it has spread, and the person's overall health. Common treatment categories include surgery, ablation in selected cases, active surveillance for some small tumors, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and sometimes radiation for symptom control. Cancer specialists can explain the goals, possible benefits, and risks of each option.
Living With It
Living with kidney cancer can affect physical health, emotions, work, and family life. Follow-up visits are important because they help monitor recovery, treatment effects, and signs of recurrence or spread. Support from cancer care teams, counselors, patient groups, and loved ones can be helpful.
When to Seek Medical Care
Seek medical care promptly if you notice blood in your urine, ongoing side or back pain, a new lump in your side, unexplained weight loss, or persistent fatigue. Also seek care if you have fever without a clear reason or symptoms that are not improving. These symptoms do not always mean cancer, but they should be checked.
When It May Be an Emergency
Get urgent medical help if you have severe bleeding in the urine, trouble passing urine, sudden severe pain, fainting, chest pain, trouble breathing, or new weakness or confusion. These symptoms can have many causes, including serious complications, and need prompt assessment.