MemorialCare Cancer Institute at:
Kidney Cancer
Kidney cancer forms in the kidney(s), the organs that remove waste from the blood and transport the wastes to the bladder. The most common type of kidney cancer is renal cell carcinoma which forms in the lining of the small tubes connecting the kidney to the bladder.
Symptoms
Kidney cancer symptoms are not usually present in early stages, in later stages symptoms may include:- Blood in the urine.
- Side or lower back pain that does not go away.
- Weight loss.
- Fatigue.
- Fever.
Causes & Prevention
The causes of kidney cancer are unknown. By controlling the risk factors that can be changed, such as not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight and normal blood pressure, you can help reduce your risk for kidney cancer. Avoiding exposure to toxic chemicals can also help.
Risk Factors
You are at a greater risk for kidney cancer if you:- Are over the age of 40.
- Smoke or are exposed to smoke.
- Are overweight.
- Have high blood pressure.
- Are male.
- Are exposed to certain chemicals.
- Have been treated for kidney failure.
- Have inherited Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) syndrome.
- Have a family history of kidney cancer.
Diagnosis
After a physical exam, blood and urine tests, diagnostic images such as CT scan, MRI or ultrasound can be preformed to view the kidney. A biopsy may be taken so that a pathologist can examine the kidney tissue under a microscope to determine if cancer cells are present.
Staging
If cancer is diagnosed and before treatment begins, additional tests are performed to determine the stage of the cancer and to see if it has spread to other parts of the body.
Treatments
MemorialCare’s experienced team of oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, pathologists and surgeons conduct roundtable discussions (tumor boards) of newly diagnosed patients to make recommendations for the best course of treatment.
