Kidney cancer is a malignant (cancerous) tumor that starts in your kidneys. Kidney cancer is the 8th most common cancer. Nearly 75,000 people are diagnosed with this disease each year.

​

Most kidney tumors are found by chance after you have imaging of the abdomen (belly) for some other condition. In these cases, the tumors are often found at an early stage, before any symptoms have developed.

 

Symptoms for kidney cancer

​

You may not notice any symptoms as the disease develops. For most people, it goes unnoticed for years. Many people only find out they have kidney cancer when a doctor is examining them for another condition. Other symptoms include:

​

• Blood in your urine (pee)

• Unexplained pain in the lower back or side of your body

• A mass (lump) that is bulging out in the abdomen or side of the body

• Fatigue (feeling tired)

• Unexplained weight loss, which may happen quickly

• A fever not caused by a cold or flu

• Swollen legs or ankles

 

Types for cancer kidney

​

There are 2 main types of primary kidney cancer. They are renal cortical tumors (renal cell cancer, or RCC) and upper tract urothelial tumors (transitional cell tumors). They are different in how they develop and change over time and in how they are treated.

 

Risk factors for kidney cancer

​

• You smoke cigarettes

• Are obese

• Are male

• Have uncontrolled high blood pressure

Some people have a higher risk because of their genetics (features passed along at birth from one of their parents). Certain gene mutations can be passed on from your parents before you’re born.

 

Stages for kidney cancer

​

• Stage 1, tumors are smaller than 7 centimeters at their widest diameter (about the size of an egg). They are only in the kidney.

• Stage 2, tumors are more than 7 centimeters. They are only in the kidney.

• Stage 3, tumors go through the renal capsule (the membrane on the outer surface of the kidney). They can extend into the fat and blood vessels around the kidneys, and in some patients they may involve nearby lymph nodes.

• Stage 4, includes tumors in nearby organs or ones that spread to distant lymph nodes or other body parts. If the cancer has formed separate tumors in structures outside the kidney, it’s called metastatic disease.

 

Diagnosis for kidney cancer

Testing can show if a kidney tumor is benign (not cancer) or malignant (cancerous). 

​

• Imaging: CT scan, ultrasound, MRI scan, cystoscopy, ureteroscopy

• Biopsy

 

Treatment for kidney cancer

​

At MSK, we tailor kidney cancer treatment to you, based on your needs and overall health. We will make a treatment plan just for you. We have experts in pathology, medical oncology, surgery, interventional radiology, radiation therapy, and supportive care. 

​

When kidney cancer is found early, most people are treated with surgery only.