Kidney Cancer

Definition

Kidney cancer is a disease that starts in the kidneys. It happens when healthy cells in one or both kidneys grow out of control and form a lump (called a tumor). In 2022, 14 percent of new kidney and renal pelvis cases were among Black people, according to the American Cancer Society.

Causes

It is currently unknown why kidney cells change and become cancerous. However, it is known that people are more likely to develop kidney cancer as they age.

Risk factors

There are several risk factors (some that can be changed and some that can’t) related to kidney cancer. Having a risk factor, or even several risk factors, doesn’t necessarily mean that you will get kidney cancer, although it may increase your risk.

Risk factors for kidney cancer include:

• Smoking
• Being overweight (obese)
• High blood pressure
• Gender – Kidney cancer affects about twice as many men as compared to women
• Being on dialysis treatment for advanced chronic kidney disease
• Family members with kidney cancer
• Long-term use of a pain-relieving drug called phenacetin
• Certain rare genetic diseases, such as von Hippel-Lindau disease, Birt Hogge Dube syndrome, and others
• History of long-term exposure to asbestos or cadmium

People with kidney disease also have a higher risk of developing kidney cancer due to:

• Long-term dialysis: Some studies show that people on long-term dialysis have a 5-fold increased risk for kidney cancer. Experts believe this risk is due to kidney disease rather than dialysis.
• Immunosuppressant medicines: Some anti-rejection medicines that must be taken by kidney transplant recipients to prevent rejection can increase your risk for kidney cancer. However, taking your immunosuppressant medicine is important if you have a transplant. Without it, your body will reject your new kidney.

If you have kidney disease, you should ask your healthcare provider about 2 simple tests to find your kidney score:

• A blood test for kidney function called GFR
• A urine test for kidney damage called ACR

Additionally, stopping smoking, controlling your body weight and high blood pressure can all help lower your risk factors of developing kidney cancer.

Complications

Complications from kidney cancer may include:

• Kidney failure
• Local spread of the tumor with increasing pain
• Spread of the cancer to lungs, liver, and bone

Symptoms

The most common symptoms of kidney cancer are:

• Blood in the urine
• Pain in the lower back
• A lump in the lower back or side of the waist
• Unexplained weight loss, night sweats, fever, or fatigue​

Diagnosis

In the early stages of kidney cancer, most people don’t have signs or symptoms. Kidney cancer is usually found by chance during an abdominal (belly) imaging test for other complaints. Your doctor will diagnose kidney cancer by reviewing your medical history and doing a physical exam, along with blood and urine tests.

Treatment

The most common treatment for kidney cancer is getting a surgery to remove all or part of your kidney. However, the type of treatment you receive will depend on the stage of your disease, your general health, your age, and other factors.

Nonsurgical options

Thermal ablation: Thermal ablation kills the tumor by burning or freezing and is most often used for small tumors in people who are not good candidates for nephrectomy surgery

Active surveillance: Active surveillance is used if a small tumor is less than 4 centimeters (1.5 inches).

Chemotherapy and radiation: Forms of chemotherapy and radiation used in other forms of cancer are not usually effective treatments for most forms of kidney cancer

You should consult with your medical team to figure out the best treatment options for you.

Your medical team may include the following specialists:

• Urologist (a surgical doctor who treats the urinary system)
• Oncologist (a doctor who specializes in cancer)
• Radiation oncologist (a doctor who treats cancer with radiation)
• Nephrologist (kidney doctor)
• Oncology nurse
• Social worker
• Other healthcare professionals

Prevention

The most effective way to prevent kidney cancer is by:

• Not smoking
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Finding out if you’re exposed to certain toxins at work or at home (such as cadmium, asbestos, and trichloroethylene, which may increase kidney cancer risk)
• Taking care of your kidneys
• Being aware of risk factors