Renal Cancer
For kidney cancer, kidney-sparing (partial) surgery, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy are coordinated as a personalized plan across our accredited network.
What is kidney (renal) cancer?
Kidney cancer forms from the uncontrolled growth of kidney cells responsible for producing urine. The most common type in adults is renal cell carcinoma.
It is often found incidentally on imaging done for another reason. Tumors caught in early stage have a high treatment success.
What are the types of kidney cancer?
Main types:
Causes and risk factors
Main risk factors:
- Smoking
- Obesity
- High blood pressure
- Long-term dialysis
- Family history or genetic syndromes (VHL)
- Older age and male sex
What are the symptoms of kidney cancer?
Usually no symptoms early on. Later it may cause:
- Blood in the urine
- Persistent pain in the flank (side)
- A palpable mass in the abdomen
- Unexplained weight loss and weakness
- Fever of unknown cause
- Anemia or high blood pressure
What are the stages of kidney cancer?
Staging is based on tumor size and spread:
Small tumors confined to the kidney can usually be treated with kidney-sparing surgery.
How is kidney cancer diagnosed?
Diagnosis relies largely on imaging:
- Urinalysis and blood tests
- Assessment of the mass with contrast imaging
- Kidney biopsy in selected cases
- Kidney function tests
Imaging methods in kidney cancer
For diagnosis and staging:
- Kidney ultrasound
- Contrast abdominal CT
- Kidney MRI
- Chest CT and bone scan when spread is suspected
Kidney cancer treatment methods
Treatment is planned by tumor size and spread:
Every patient and every tumor is different
No single treatment is right for everyone; the best plan depends on your exact diagnosis, stage, and tumor characteristics. At National Cancer Alliance, we arrange a free second opinion from board-certified oncologists to review your case.
Prognosis and survival rates
Prognosis in kidney cancer varies by stage. In early disease confined to the kidney, 5-year survival is high at about 93%, roughly 72% with regional spread, and lower with distant metastasis.
Recent advances in immunotherapy and targeted therapy have markedly improved survival in advanced kidney cancer.
How to reduce kidney cancer risk
Measures that help lower risk:
- Quitting smoking
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Keeping blood pressure under control
- A balanced diet and regular exercise
- Protection against harmful chemicals at work
Frequently asked questions
Can you live with one kidney?
Yes. If the other kidney is healthy, a normal life is possible; still, kidney-sparing surgery is preferred when feasible.
Is a small kidney mass operated on immediately?
Not always. Very small tumors may be suitable for active surveillance or ablation.
Does kidney cancer respond to chemotherapy?
Classic chemotherapy is usually not effective; treatment centers on targeted drugs and immunotherapy.
Should I get a second opinion?
Kidney-sparing surgery and systemic options vary by center; an independent review is valuable.
Ready for a plan built around you?
Start with a free, no-obligation second opinion from a board-certified oncologist. Have your case reviewed and every option explained clearly.
Get a FREE Second OpinionThis page provides general information about kidney (renal) cancer; it is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All treatments are provided by independent, accredited hospitals and licensed physicians. Your treatment decision should be made by a qualified physician based on your individual situation.