Kidney cancer is the abnormal growth of the cells in the lining of small tubules in one or both kidneys, a bean-shaped organ that helps filter out waste from the blood. commonly beginning if untreated, it can spread (metastasize) to other regions, including lymph nodes, lungs, and bones.
Types of Kidney Cancer
|
Type of Kidney Cancer |
Description |
Common In |
Subtypes/adults (about Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC) |
Most common type; begins in tiny tubules of the kidney |
Adults (85-90% of all cases) |
- Clear cell RCC (most common) - Papillary RCC (type 1 & 2) - Chromophobe RCC - Collecting duct & medullary carcinoma (rare) |
|
Urothelial Carcinoma |
Starts in the renal pelvis (urine-collecting area); similar to bladder cancer |
Adults (esp. smokers) |
May cause blood in urine early; also called transitional cell carcinoma |
|
Wilms Tumor (Nephroblastoma) |
Childhood kidney cancer |
children under 5 (5% of all cases) |
Usually one-sided, often curable with treatment |
|
Renal Sarcoma |
Arises from connective tissue (muscle, fat, vessels) of the kidney |
Rare in adults (about 1%) |
Aggressive and often diagnosed late |
|
Lymphoma (Secondary in the kidney) |
Due to the spread of the lymphatic cancer in the kidney |
Adults with systemic lymphoma |
Not a primary kidney cancer; it affects both kidneys in some cases |
Early stages do not show any observable symptoms. As the disease advances. The following signs and symptoms appear:
The exact cause of kidney cancer is still unknown. Certain causes and risk factors are associated with Kidney cancer.
These are:
Smoking- People with a high duration and intensity of smoking have a higher risk.
Obesity- People who are overweight have a consistent risk factor for kidney cancer.
High blood pressure (Hypertension)- High BP is also linked to an elevated risk of developing kidney cancer.
Family history- People with a close family history or close relatives with kidney cancer have an increased risk.
Radiation therapy- Radiation to the abdominal area (including for reproductive organ cancers) has been associated with a slight risk of secondary cancers, including kidney cancer.
Gene mutations Specific genetic mutations (both inherited and acquired) are known to increase kidney cancer risk.
Dialysis treatment- Patients undergoing long-term dialysis, particularly those with acquired cystic kidney disease (ACDK).
Tuberous Sclerosis Complex- This genetic disorder is associated with the development of various tumors, including both benign (angiomyolipomas) and malignant, such as renal cell carcinoma (RCC), a kidney tumor.
Von Hippel-Lindau disease (VHL)- An inherited disorder (causes tumor and cyst formation) having a very strong link to renal cell carcinoma.
What are Kidney Cancer Stages?
Kidney cancer staging is based on the tumor size, lymph node involvement, and spread to other organs. Tests like CT scans, MRIs, and biopsies help determine the stage.
|
Stage |
Description |
|---|---|
|
Stage I |
The tumor is 7 cm or smaller, confined to the kidney. No spread to lymph nodes or other tissues. |
|
Stage II |
The tumor is larger than 7 cm but still contained within the kidney. No lymph node involvement. |
|
Stage III |
Cancer has spread to major blood vessels (renal vein or inferior vena cava), nearby tissue, or regional lymph nodes. |
|
Stage IV |
Cancer has spread beyond the kidney, possibly reaching the adrenal gland, distant lymph nodes, or other organs. |
Note: Staging aids in diagnosis and Treatment Planning
|
Stage |
Description |
5-Year Survival Rate |
|---|---|---|
|
Localized |
Cancer is confined to the kidney |
93% |
|
Regional |
Cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes or tissues |
75% |
|
Distant |
Cancer has spread to distant organs |
18% |
|
All Stages Combined |
Average across all stages |
78% |
Diagnosis starts with the physical examination, based upon which your provider may suggest you test for further diagnosis that also aid in treatment if required.
Urinalysis: It helps detect microscopic hematuria (blood in the urine) not visible to the naked eye.
It Includes:-
Imaging is essential for confirming a kidney tumor, staging cancer, and planning treatment:
Kidney cancer treatment depends on the stage, tumor size, spread, and overall health of the patient. Here are some of the surgical options, along with therapies to treat kidney cancer these are.
If surgery is not suitable, a minimally invasive option, Ablation Therapy, is used to destroy cancer cells using extreme temperatures.
Note- Removal of one kidney will not affect the overall function, as the second one can compensate and perform the work of both
Targeted Therapy: Drugs that block specific molecular pathways in cancer cells, slowing or stopping tumor progression.
Immunotherapy enhances the body's ability to recognize and attack cancer cells (e.g., checkpoint inhibitors).
Radiation Therapy is used for pain relief or in cases where surgery isn’t an option.
Kidney Cancer (Global Vs India)
|
Feature |
Global (2022) |
India (2022) |
|---|---|---|
|
New Cases |
~434,840 new cases (GLOBOCAN); ASIR ~4.4/100k; 14th most common cancer worldwide |
~20,780 new cases; ASIR ~1.5/100k; higher in men (~2.3/100k) than women (~0.7/100k); rising trend |
|
Deaths |
~155,953 deaths; moderate mortality; good prognosis if caught early |
~10,464 deaths; rising due to increasing risk factors like obesity, diabetes, and late detection |
|
Age & Gender |
Mostly affects adults >60; men 1.5–2× more likely than women |
Common in men >55; major risks include smoking, obesity, hypertension, and diabetes |
|
Hotspots |
High in North America, Northern Europe, Australia—linked to imaging and lifestyle factors |
Higher in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai due to lifestyle and better diagnostics |
|
Rural vs Urban |
Urban areas see more diagnoses due to imaging access |
Urban India reports more cases; rural cases often go undiagnosed or are diagnosed late |
|
5-Year Survival |
~75–76% overall; ~93% (localized), ~71% (regional), ~15% (metastatic) |
~60–70% overall; survival is much lower in advanced or rural-diagnosed cases |
|
Common Types |
RCC (~85–90% of cases); subtypes: Clear Cell (~75%), Papillary, Chromophobe |
Same pattern: RCC dominant; Clear Cell RCC most common; same risk factors as global |
Early signs of kidney cancer may include blood in the urine, lower back pain, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, and a lump in the abdomen.
Factors like smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, genetic conditions, and prolonged exposure to certain chemicals. Family history and chronic kidney disease also increase the risk.
Diagnosis typically involves a combination of urine and blood tests, imaging scans like CT or MRI, and sometimes a biopsy, to help confirm the presence, size, and stage of the tumor.
Depending on the cancer stage and the patient’s overall health, Common treatments include surgery (partial or complete nephrectomy), targeted therapy, immunotherapy, ablation techniques, and active surveillance. The choice.
Yes, kidney cancer is often curable if detected early. Localized tumors have high survival rates. Advanced stages may be managed effectively with a combination of therapies.
Immunotherapy may cause mild side effects, such as fatigue, skin rash, or low-grade fever, which often resolve on their own without treatment. However, if symptoms worsen, consult your doctor for proper evaluation and care.
