Kidney cancer, also known as renal cell carcinoma (RCC), occurs when cancer cells form in the tissues or tiny tubes (tubules) of the kidneys. It typically grows as a single tumor within one kidney, but in some cases more than one tumor may form, or tumors may be present in both kidneys. Another form of kidney cancer, Wilms’ tumor, affects children and is the most common form of pediatric kidney cancer.

Kidney cancer may not cause noticeable symptoms in its early stages. As the tumor grows, signs may appear that require medical attention, which is why timely evaluation matters. Early detection and appropriate treatment are important for improving outcomes. 

At OncoClinic, we provide clear diagnostics, careful assessment, and a personalized plan tailored to your specific situation and goals.

Signs and symptoms

• Blood in the urine (hematuria)
• Lump may be felt in the abdomen, side, or lower back
• Pain in the side, abdomen, or lower back that does not go away
• Unexplained loss of appetite
• Significant weight loss without a known cause
• Other symptoms may include signs of anemia such as weakness or shortness of breath, swelling in the legs or ankles, and unexplained persistent fever and fatigue

If any of these symptoms persist, consult a healthcare provider without delay, as early detection is key to better treatment outcomes.

Risk factors

• Age and gender: Kidney cancer is more common in men, especially those over 50
• Family history: Family history of kidney cancer increases the risk of developing the disease
• Genetic conditions: Inherited conditions like von Hippel-Lindau disease and hereditary papillary renal cell carcinoma elevate the risk of kidney cancer
• Obesity: Being overweight or obese increases the risk of kidney cancer
• High blood pressure: Hypertension is linked to kidney cancer
• Smoking: Tobacco use is a significant risk factor for kidney cancer
• Chronic kidney disease: Long-term kidney disease and prolonged dialysis treatment increase the risk of kidney cancer

Understanding these risk factors helps clinicians and patients focus on prevention and timely evaluation when symptoms arise.

Screening

At present, there is no recommended routine screening for kidney cancer in the general population or even in most high-risk groups.

Diagnosis

Kidney cancer is most often diagnosed incidentally during imaging performed for unrelated reasons.

Initial evaluation includes:

Clinical assessment

• Many patients remain asymptomatic at the time of diagnosis
• Where symptoms are present, these may include hematuria, flank pain, a palpable mass, or unexplained weight loss

Imaging

• Contrast-enhanced CT scan of the abdomen is the diagnostic standard
• MRI is used when CT is contraindicated or for further characterization of complex renal masses
• Ultrasound may detect renal masses, but it is less specific

Laboratory tests

• Assessment of renal function, complete blood count, and liver function tests
• No validated blood or urine tumor markers are available

Renal biopsy

• Not routinely required for clearly resectable tumors
• Considered in selected cases, such as indeterminate renal masses, metastatic disease, or prior to systemic therapy

Staging

Staging is performed using the TNM classification system.

Staging investigations include:

• CT of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis to assess local extent and detect distant metastases
• Bone scan or brain imaging only when clinically indicated by symptoms
• PET/CT is not routinely used for the diagnosis or staging of kidney cancer and is reserved for selected cases with inconclusive conventional imaging

Clinical relevance

• Stage I–II: Localized disease, typically managed with surgical treatment
• Stage III: Locally advanced disease with vascular invasion or regional lymph node involvement
• Stage IV: Metastatic disease

Accurate staging is essential for prognostic assessment and for guiding treatment decisions

Treatment and procedures

At OncoClinic, we provide comprehensive care for patients with kidney cancer. Our multidisciplinary team ensures that each patient receives a personalized and effective treatment plan. Services include:

Personalized treatment plans: Each patient’s care is tailored to the type, stage, and location of the kidney cancer.

Surgery: When surgery is indicated, procedures are performed in collaboration with our accredited partner hospitals, ensuring high standards of surgical expertise and continuity of care.

Systemic therapy: We offer evidence-based systemic treatments, including targeted therapies and immunotherapy, tailored to disease stage and individual patient characteristics.

Radiation therapy: For patients who are not candidates for surgery, we offer highly targeted radiation therapies designed to maximize tumor control while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues.

Multidisciplinary care: Our team includes urologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, and specialized nurses, working collaboratively to deliver coordinated and compassionate care.

Support services: We provide comprehensive support services, including nutrition counseling, psychosocial support, and survivorship care, ensuring patients are supported throughout their treatment journey.

We are committed to delivering the highest standard of care and improving outcomes for patients with kidney cancer through personalized treatment strategies and multidisciplinary collaboration.

References

EAU guidelines on renal cell carcinoma
European Association of Urology, latest update

NCCN clinical practice guidelines in oncology: kidney cancer
National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), latest version

EAU guidelines on renal cell carcinoma: 2023 update
Ljungberg B et al. – European Urology, 2023

Kidney cancer, version 4.2022, NCCN clinical practice guidelines in oncology
Motzer RJ et al. – Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, 2022

Renal cell carcinoma: ESMO clinical practice guidelines for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up
Escudier B et al. – Annals of Oncology, 2017

Renal cancer
Capitanio U, Montorsi F – The Lancet, 2016

The genetic basis of kidney cancer: a metabolic disease
Linehan WM et al. – Nature Reviews Urology, 2010

Systemic therapy for renal cell carcinoma
Powles T et al. – The Lancet Oncology, 2022