Kidney cancer is a tumour that starts in the kidney tissue; the most common type in adults is renal cell carcinoma. Many cases are now found early and by chance thanks to the wide use of ultrasound and CT scanning, which improves the chances of successful treatment.
Medically reviewed by Prof. Dr. Samir Ahmed Al-Samarrai, consultant urologist. Last reviewed:
Types
- Renal cell carcinoma: the most common in adults, with subtypes of which clear cell is the most frequent.
- Renal pelvis cancer: starts in the lining of the urinary tract inside the kidney.
- Wilms tumour: mostly in children.
Symptoms
There may be no symptoms at an early stage. Possible symptoms include:
- Blood in the urine, visible or on a test.
- Persistent flank or lower back pain.
- A lump in the abdomen or side.
- Unexplained weight loss, tiredness or persistent fever.
Risk factors
- Smoking.
- Obesity.
- High blood pressure.
- Some inherited conditions and family history.
- Kidney failure and long-term dialysis.
Diagnosis
- Contrast CT scan of the abdomen, the main test to assess the tumour and its stage.
- Ultrasound, which finds many tumours by chance.
- MRI in some cases.
- Blood tests and kidney function, and sometimes a biopsy.
Treatment options
- Active surveillance for some very small tumours, especially in older patients.
- Partial nephrectomy: removing the tumour while keeping the rest of the kidney.
- Radical nephrectomy for larger tumours.
- Laparoscopic or robotic surgery depending on the case.
- Cryoablation or radiofrequency ablation for some small tumours.
- Targeted therapy and immunotherapy for advanced disease.
The doctor chooses the right option based on tumour size and stage, the patient’s health and kidney function.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the most common type of kidney cancer?
Renal cell carcinoma is the most common kidney cancer in adults, followed by cancer of the renal pelvis, which starts in the lining of the urinary tract. Wilms tumour mostly affects children.
Does kidney cancer cause early symptoms?
Often not. It is frequently found by chance on an ultrasound or CT scan done for another reason. It can also cause blood in the urine, flank pain or a lump in the abdomen.
Can kidney cancer be treated while keeping the kidney?
For small tumours, the tumour alone can often be removed while keeping the rest of the kidney (partial nephrectomy), depending on its size and position.
What are the risk factors?
Smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, some inherited conditions and family history, and long-term dialysis.
See a urologist
If a kidney mass has been found or you have blood in your urine, book an appointment to assess it and discuss the options with Prof. Al-Samarrai or Dr. Amer Mousa.
This information is for health education and does not replace a medical examination. See our medical content policy.