Kidney Cancer
Kidneys are two bean-shaped organs, each about the size of your fist, located behind your abdominal organs with one on each side of your spine. They filter blood and remove waste products through urine. Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common type of kidney cancer in adults, accounting for about 90% of cases. It is often detected incidentally during imaging for other conditions. When caught early, kidney cancer is highly curable, but it can spread to other parts of the body if not treated promptly.
Common Subtypes
Key Statistics
Global Context
14th most common cancer worldwide with ~430,000 new cases annually.
In India
Rising incidence in urban areas due to increased obesity and smoking rates.
Symptoms
- Blood in urine (hematuria) - pink, red or cola-colored
- Persistent back pain just below the ribs
- A mass or lump in the side or abdomen
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue and general tiredness
- Intermittent fever not caused by infection
- Anemia (low red blood cell count)
Risk Factors
- Smoking (doubles the risk)
- Obesity and high blood pressure
- Long-term dialysis treatment
- Family history of kidney cancer
- Inherited syndromes (Von Hippel-Lindau disease)
- Occupational exposure to certain chemicals (cadmium, asbestos)
Treatment Options
Radical Nephrectomy
Complete removal of the affected kidney along with surrounding tissue and sometimes nearby lymph nodes.
Partial Nephrectomy
Removal of only the tumor and a small margin of healthy tissue, preserving most of the kidney (nephron-sparing surgery).
Cryoablation
Freezing cancer cells using extreme cold delivered through a needle inserted into the tumor.
Targeted Therapy
Drugs like sunitinib or pazopanib that block signals cancer cells need to grow and spread.
Prevention & Screening
Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.