Definition
Renal cell carcinoma is a type of kidney cancer in which the cancerous cells are found in the lining of very small tubes (tubules) in the kidney.
Symptoms
Other symptoms that can occur with this disease:
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Definition
Renal cell carcinoma is a type of kidney cancer in which the cancerous cells are found in the lining of very small tubes (tubules) in the kidney.
Symptoms
Other symptoms that can occur with this disease: Sometimes both kidneys are involved. The cancer spreads ...
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Causes
Renal cell carcinoma is the most common type of kidney cancer in adults. It occurs most often in people 50 - 70 years old, and typically affects men.
The exact cause is unknown.
Risk factors include:
- Dialysis treatment
- Family history of the disease
- Genetics
- Smoking
- Von Hippel-Lindau disease (a hereditary disease that affects the capillaries of the brain)
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Treatment
Surgical removal of all or part of the kidney ( nephrectomy ) is recommended. This may include removing the bladder or surrounding tissues or lymph nodes.
Radiation therapy does not usually work for renal cell carcinoma and, therefore, is not often used. Hormone treatments may reduce the growth of the tumor in some cases.
Many chemotherapy drugs and other medications have been successful in reducing the growth of some renal cell carcinomas, including cancers that have spread. Current therapies such as interferon and interleukin-2 work by blocking the blood supply of the tumor. Some chemotherapy drugs have been used to treat this and other cancers for many years.
A cure is unlikely unless all of the cancer is removed with surgery.
Other Names
Renal cancer; Kidney cancer; Hypernephroma; Adenocarcinoma of renal cells; Cancer - kidney
Outlook (Prognosis)
The outcome depends on the degree of cancer spread. The survival rate is highest if the tumor is in the early stages and has not spread outside the kidney. If it has spread to the lymph nodes or to other organs, the survival rate is much lower.
Prevention
Stop smoking. Follow your health care provider's recommendations in the treatment of kidney disorders, especially those that may require dialysis.
Exams and Tests
Palpation of the abdomen may show a mass or organ enlargement, particularly of the kidney or liver. Men may have a varicocele in the testicles.
Tests include:
The following tests may be performed to see ...
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References
US Food and Drug Administration. FDA Approves New Treatment for Advanced Kidney Cancer . Rockville, MD: National Press Office; December 20, 2005. Press Release P05-107.
National Comprehensive Cancer Network. NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology, Kidney Cancer, v.1.2008. 2007.
