Kidney Cancer (Tumor)
Description
An abnormal growth of cells in the kidney. In adults renal cell carcinoma is the most common form of kidney cancer and arises from the renal tubule. Surgery is the primary mode of therapy. Renal cell carcinoma is resistant to radiation therapy and chemotherapy, although some cases respond to immunotherapy. The following conditions increase the risk of this disorder: family history of kidney cancer, high blood pressure, smoking, obesity, being male, and receiving dialysis treatments. Children can get another form of kidney cancer called a Wilms' tumor.
Symptoms
Abdominal pain, abnormal urine color (dark, rusty, or brown), back pain, blood in the urine, unexplained weight loss, enlargement of one testicle, flank pain, swelling or enlargement of the abdomen.
Tests
A history and physical exam will be performed. Tests to establish the diagnosis and determine the extent of the disease will be done.
- CBC
- Chem 12
- UA
- CT Scan
- MRI
Treatment
Surgical removal of all or part of the kidney (nephrectomy) is the primary mode of treatment, and may include removal of the bladder and surrounding lymph nodes. Radiation and chemotherapy is generally not effective. A cure is unlikely unless all of the cancer is removed with surgery. For more information contact the American Cancer Society: (800)227-2345 and Kidney Cancer Association: (800)850-9132
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