Onco Life Hospitals

Book PET CT Scan Appointment
Book Doctor Appointment
Understanding Cancer
Facebook Twitter Youtube Instagram Linkedin

Kidney Cancer (Renal Cell Carcinoma)

  • Home
  • Kidney Cancer (Renal Cell Carcinoma)

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

  1. 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
  2. Transitional Cell Carcinoma
    • Starts in the renal pelvis (where kidney connects to the ureter)
  3. Wilms’ Tumor
    • Common in children
  4. 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

  1. Ultrasound Abdomen
    • Initial screening test; identifies masses in the kidney
  2. CT Scan or MRI
    • Provides detailed imaging to assess size, spread, and involvement of vessels
  3. Urinalysis
    • Detects blood or abnormal cells in urine
  4. Blood Tests
    • Evaluate kidney function (creatinine, urea), anemia, and calcium levels
  5. 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.

  1. 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

  2. Targeted Therapy

    • Drugs that block growth signals in cancer cells (e.g., Sunitinib, Pazopanib)

  3. Immunotherapy

    • Boosts immune response (e.g., Nivolumab, Pembrolizumab, Ipilimumab)
    • Used for advanced or metastatic cancer

  4. Ablation Techniques (for small tumors or unfit patients)

    • Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
    • Cryoablation (freezing the tumor)

  5. Radiation Therapy

    • Limited use, mainly for symptom control in advanced cases

  6. 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. Who Does Kidney Cancer Affect?

Kidney cancer most commonly affects adults aged 50 to 70 years and is about twice as prevalent in men compared to women. Risk factors include smoking, obesity, and high blood pressure, all of which increase cancer susceptibility. Additionally, hereditary conditions such as von Hippel-Lindau disease and certain genetic mutations may predispose individuals to renal tumors, emphasizing both environmental and genetic influences on risk.

2. How Common Is Kidney Cancer?

Globally, kidney cancer accounts for approximately 2-3% of adult cancers, with increasing detection rates due to enhanced imaging technologies. In India, kidney cancer incidence is rising steadily, aligned with global trends. Early diagnosis has significantly improved survival rates, with localized tumors showing over 90% five-year survival, reflecting advances in screening and treatment.

3. What Is the Primary Cause of Kidney Cancer?

The precise cause of kidney cancer is unknown, but risk factors include smoking, obesity, hypertension, and occupational exposures to chemicals like asbestos. Genetic predispositions and inherited syndromes also play roles in some patients. Preventative measures such as quitting smoking, maintaining healthy weight, managing blood pressure, and routine health check-ups can reduce overall risk.

4. How Serious Is a Tumor on the Kidney?

The seriousness depends on tumor size and whether it has spread beyond the kidney. Early-stage tumors confined to the kidney generally have excellent prognosis, while larger or metastatic tumors carry greater risks. Early detection is critical, as localized cancers can be effectively managed, preventing progression to life-threatening stages.

5. Management and Treatment

Management ranges from active surveillance for small tumors to lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise. Timely medical intervention with appropriate therapies is vital. Regular follow-up and imaging are essential to monitor treatment response and detect recurrence early, ensuring optimal long-term outcomes.

6. How Is Kidney Cancer Treated?

Treatment depends on stage and includes surgery (partial or radical nephrectomy), targeted therapies inhibiting tumor growth, immunotherapy to boost immune response, and radiation in select cases. Post-treatment care involves rehabilitation, supportive therapies, and monitoring for side effects, enabling holistic recovery and quality of life improvement.