Kidney cancer

Kidney Cancer
Micrograph of clear cell renal cell carcinoma, the most common type of kidney cancer
Synonyms	N/A
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Blood in urine, flank pain, lump in the abdomen
Complications	Metastasis
Onset	Typically after age 50
Duration	N/A
Types	Renal cell carcinoma, Transitional cell carcinoma
Causes	Smoking, obesity, hypertension, genetic factors
Risks	N/A
Diagnosis	CT scan, MRI, Ultrasound, Biopsy
Differential diagnosis	N/A
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Surgery, targeted therapy, immunotherapy
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Variable, depending on stage and type
Frequency	400,000 new cases globally (2020)
Deaths	N/A

Kidney cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the cells of the kidneys. The most common type of kidney cancer in adults is renal cell carcinoma (RCC), which accounts for about 90% of cases. Other types include transitional cell carcinoma and Wilms' tumor, which is more common in children.

Types

Renal Cell Carcinoma

Renal cell carcinoma is the most prevalent form of kidney cancer. It originates in the lining of the proximal convoluted tubule, a part of the very small tubes in the kidney that transport primary urine. There are several subtypes of RCC, including:

• Clear cell RCC: The most common subtype, characterized by cells that appear very pale or clear under a microscope.
• Papillary RCC: The second most common subtype, which forms small, finger-like projections.
• Chromophobe RCC: A less common subtype, with cells that are larger and have a distinct appearance.

Micrograph of chromophobe renal cell carcinoma, eosinophilic variant

Transitional Cell Carcinoma

Transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the kidney is less common and originates in the renal pelvis, the part of the kidney that collects urine before it moves to the bladder. TCC is more similar to bladder cancer than to RCC.

Wilms' Tumor

Wilms' tumor is a rare kidney cancer that primarily affects children. It is usually diagnosed in children under the age of 5.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of kidney cancer include:

• Hematuria (blood in the urine)
• Flank pain
• A palpable mass in the abdomen
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of kidney cancer typically involves imaging studies such as CT scan, MRI, and ultrasound. A biopsy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis and determine the specific type of cancer.

Staging

Kidney cancer is staged based on the size of the tumor and the extent of its spread. The stages range from I to IV, with Stage I being localized and Stage IV indicating metastasis.

Diagram showing stage 1 kidney cancer

Treatment

Treatment options for kidney cancer depend on the stage and type of cancer. They may include:

• Surgery: The primary treatment for localized kidney cancer, which may involve partial or complete removal of the kidney (nephrectomy).
• Targeted therapy: Drugs that target specific pathways involved in cancer cell growth.
• Immunotherapy: Treatments that help the immune system fight cancer.

Prognosis

The prognosis for kidney cancer varies widely depending on the stage at diagnosis and the specific type of cancer. Early-stage kidney cancer has a better prognosis than advanced-stage disease.

Also see

• Bladder cancer
• Prostate cancer
• Liver cancer
• Oncology