Renal cell carcinoma

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a type of kidney cancer that originates in the lining of the proximal convoluted tubule, a part of the very small tubes in the kidney that transport waste molecules from the blood to the urine.

Signs and Symptoms[edit | edit source]

The classic triad of hematuria, pain, and an abdominal mass is only present in 10% of cases, and is generally indicative of more advanced disease. Today, most cases of RCC are asymptomatic and are detected incidentally on imaging for other reasons.

Causes[edit | edit source]

RCC is associated with several hereditary conditions, including Von Hippel-Lindau disease, hereditary leiomyomatosis and RCC, Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome, and hereditary papillary renal carcinoma.

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

Diagnosis of RCC involves a combination of medical imaging (such as CT scanning or ultrasound), blood and urine tests, and often, a biopsy.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Treatment options for RCC include surgery, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and in some cases, chemotherapy.

Prognosis[edit | edit source]

The prognosis for RCC varies widely depending on the stage at which the cancer is diagnosed.

References[edit | edit source]

Renal cell carcinoma Resources
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