Kidney Cancer (Renal Cell Carcinoma)
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Kidney Cancer (Renal Cell Carcinoma)
Cancer Originating in the Filtering System of the Body
What is Kidney Cancer?
Kidney cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the kidneys – two bean-shaped organs located behind the abdominal organs, one on each side of the spine. Their main function is to filter waste from the blood and produce urine, along with balancing blood pressure, red blood cell production, and electrolytes.
When abnormal cells in the kidney begin to multiply uncontrollably, a tumor forms, leading to kidney cancer. The most common form is Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC).
Types of Kidney Cancer
Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC) – 90% of cases
Begins in the lining of small tubes in the kidney.
- Clear cell RCC – most common
- Papillary RCC
- Chromophobe RCC
- Transitional Cell Carcinoma
- Starts in the renal pelvis (where kidney connects to the ureter)
- Wilms’ Tumor
- Common in children
- Renal Sarcoma
- Rare; starts in blood vessels or connective tissue of the kidney
Symptoms of Kidney Cancer
Kidney cancer often grows silently in the early stages and may be found incidentally during a scan for another reason. However, as the tumor grows, symptoms may include:
- Blood in the urine (even if occasional or painless)
- Lump or mass in the side or lower back
- Persistent lower back pain (usually one-sided)
- Unexplained weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue
- Fever not caused by infection
- High blood pressure
- Swelling in the ankles or legs
Note: Blood in urine (hematuria) is a key early warning sign. Don’t ignore even one episode.
Stages of Kidney Cancer
- Stage I: Tumor <7 cm, limited to kidney
- Stage II: Tumor >7 cm, still within kidney
- Stage III: Spread to nearby blood vessels or lymph nodes
- Stage IV: Spread to distant organs (lungs, bones, liver)
Causes and Risk Factors
- Smoking – doubles the risk
- Obesity
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Family history of kidney cancer
- Long-term dialysis
- Von Hippel-Lindau syndrome and other genetic conditions
- Exposure to chemicals (asbestos, cadmium, herbicides)
Diagnosis of Kidney Cancer
- Ultrasound Abdomen
- Initial screening test; identifies masses in the kidney
- CT Scan or MRI
- Provides detailed imaging to assess size, spread, and involvement of vessels
- Urinalysis
- Detects blood or abnormal cells in urine
- Blood Tests
- Evaluate kidney function (creatinine, urea), anemia, and calcium levels
- Biopsy (in select cases)
- May be needed to confirm type or rule out infection
Many kidney tumors are found incidentally on imaging done for unrelated issues.
Treatment Options at Onco-Life Cancer Centre
Treatment is personalized based on tumor size, stage, location, and overall health.
Treatment is personalized based on tumor size, stage, location, and overall health.
Surgery (Main Treatment)
- Partial Nephrectomy: Removes tumor, preserves the rest of the kidney
- Radical Nephrectomy: Entire kidney removed (along with adrenal gland, nearby tissue, and lymph nodes)
- Laparoscopic or Robotic-Assisted Surgery for quicker recovery
Targeted Therapy
- Drugs that block growth signals in cancer cells (e.g., Sunitinib, Pazopanib)
Immunotherapy
- Boosts immune response (e.g., Nivolumab, Pembrolizumab, Ipilimumab)
- Used for advanced or metastatic cancer
Ablation Techniques (for small tumors or unfit patients)
- Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
- Cryoablation (freezing the tumor)
Radiation Therapy
- Limited use, mainly for symptom control in advanced cases
Follow-up and Supportive Care
- Regular scans and blood tests
- Pain relief, nutritional support, psychological counseling
Preventive Measures
- Quit smoking
- Maintain a healthy weight and active lifestyle
- Control blood pressure
- Drink adequate water and avoid overuse of painkillers
- Get regular health checks if at high risk
Kidney Cancer in India
- Often diagnosed late due to lack of symptoms
- Awareness about blood in urine is low
- Men are affected more than women
- Advanced robotic and minimally invasive surgeries now available in India
Most Popular Questions
Kidney Cancer (Renal Cell Carcinoma)
1. Is kidney cancer curable?
Yes, if caught early and completely removed. Stage I and II cancers have excellent outcomes.
2. Can I live with one kidney?
Yes. One healthy kidney is enough to live a normal life.
3. What is the most common sign of kidney cancer?
Blood in urine is the most frequent early symptom.
4. Is kidney cancer painful?
Often painless in early stages. Pain may occur as tumor grows or presses on other structures.
5. What are the treatment options for advanced cases?
Targeted therapy and immunotherapy are effective in many advanced/metastatic cases.
6. Do all kidney masses mean cancer?
No. Many kidney masses are benign (non-cancerous). Imaging and biopsy may help differentiate.
7. How long is the hospital stay after kidney surgery?
Usually 3–5 days, depending on the approach (open/laparoscopic).
8. Will I need dialysis after surgery?
Only if both kidneys are affected or existing kidney function is poor.
9. Can kidney cancer spread to other organs?
Yes. Lungs, bones, liver, and brain are common metastatic sites.
10. What is a partial nephrectomy?
Surgery that removes only the tumor and saves the rest of the kidney.
11. Is robotic surgery better?
It offers more precision, smaller cuts, less pain, and faster recovery in eligible patients.
12. Can young people get kidney cancer?
Rare, but possible. Wilms' tumor is more common in children.
13. Can I prevent kidney cancer?
Not fully, but risk can be reduced by avoiding tobacco, managing weight, and controlling BP.
14. What is the role of targeted therapy?
It blocks specific molecules that help cancer grow. Used in advanced disease.
15. Are there side effects to immunotherapy?
Yes, but fewer than chemotherapy. Can include fatigue, rash, or inflammation.
16. What diet should I follow during treatment?
Balanced, high-protein, low-salt diet. If one kidney remains, restrict high potassium foods.
17. Is radiation therapy useful?
Not for early kidney cancer, but may help relieve pain in advanced cases.
18. Can kidney cancer come back after surgery?
Yes, which is why regular follow-up scans are essential.
19. What happens if both kidneys have cancer?
Treatment is complex. Options may include partial surgery on both or transplant.
20. Does Onco-Life offer robotic kidney surgery?
Yes. Our surgical oncology team is trained in advanced minimally invasive procedures including robotic and laparoscopic nephrectomies.
