Renal Cancer
What is Renal Cancer?
Renal cancer originates in the nephrons, the functional units of the kidney. Most commonly, it arises from the proximal tubules, which are responsible for absorbing essential nutrients from blood and forming urine. Renal cancer may affect one or both kidneys but often remains localized if detected early.
Renal cancer, commonly known as kidney cancer, begins in the cells of the kidney and is one of the top 10 most common cancers in adults. The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs, each about the size of a fist, located on either side of the spine, just below the ribcage. They play a vital role in filtering waste, maintaining fluid balance, regulating blood pressure, and producing hormones.
Causes and Risk Factors for Renal Cancer
Several risk factors increase the likelihood of developing kidney cancer:
Smoking
Increases risk by up to 40%
Obesity
Higher body fat can lead to hormonal imbalances and inflammation
Symptoms of Renal Cancer
In its early stages, kidney cancer may not show any symptoms. As the tumor grows, common signs and symptoms may include:
Hematuria (blood in the urine)
Persistent back or flank pain
A lump or mass in the abdomen or side
Unexplained fever
Swelling in the legs or ankles
Bone pain (in advanced stages)
Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
Varicocele (enlarged veins in the scrotum) in men
Unintended weight loss
If you experience any of these symptoms, especially in combination, consult a doctor immediately for evaluation.
Types of Renal Cancer
There are several types of kidney cancers, each with unique characteristics:
1. Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC)
The most common form, accounting for 85–90% of kidney cancer cases. Major subtypes include:
- Clear cell carcinoma
- Papillary RCC (Type 1 & 2)
- Chromophobe RCC
- Collecting duct carcinoma
- Urothelial Carcinoma (Transitional Cell Carcinoma)
Arises from the lining of the renal pelvis. Makes up around 5% of renal cancers.
Preventing Kidney Cancer
While not all causes of renal cancer are preventable, lifestyle changes can reduce your risk:
- Quit smoking and avoid tobacco exposure
- Maintain a healthy weight through diet and regular exercise
- Control blood pressure with medication, low-sodium diet, and stress management
- Avoid prolonged use of painkillers without medical supervision
- Individuals on long-term dialysis or with inherited genetic conditions should undergo regular screening
Diagnostic Tests for Renal Cancer
Diagnosis begins with a physical exam and medical history, followed by imaging and pathology tests:
Ultrasound
A non-invasive test to detect kidney masses or abnormalities.
CT Scan (Computed Tomography)
Provides detailed images of the kidney, abdomen, and pelvis to assess tumor size and stage.
Living with One Kidney
Most people can live a normal, healthy life with a single kidney. If one kidney is removed, the other can take over its function completely, provided it is healthy
Renal cancer, when detected early, is highly treatable. At Thangam Hospital, we provide a multidisciplinary approach to kidney cancer treatment — combining advanced diagnostics, expert surgical care, and the latest in targeted and immunotherapy options to deliver the best outcomes.
If you’re experiencing symptoms or have risk factors for kidney cancer, schedule a consultation with our oncology specialists today.
Treatment Options for Renal (Kidney) Cancer
Treatment depends on the cancer stage, tumor size, patient’s overall health, and presence of metastasis. Options include:
Surgical removal remains the primary treatment for localized kidney cancer.
- Radical Nephrectomy
Removal of the entire kidney along with surrounding tissues, and sometimes the adrenal gland and lymph nodes. Preferred for large or central tumors. - Partial Nephrectomy (Nephron-Sparing Surgery)
Removes only the tumor and a small margin of healthy tissue. Recommended for small tumors to preserve kidney function. - Cytoreductive Nephrectomy
In select stage IV cases where the primary tumor causes pain or heavy bleeding, nephrectomy may be considered to improve quality of life.
Targets specific proteins and pathways within cancer cells to stop growth. Common drugs include:
Sunitinib, Pazopanib, Cabozantinib, Lenvatinib, Bevacizumab, Sorafenib
Used in metastatic or advanced cases, either before surgery (neoadjuvant) or after (adjuvant).
Not typically used for primary kidney tumors, but effective in relieving symptoms of metastatic disease (e.g., bone pain).
Boosts the body’s immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells. Often used for advanced or recurrent kidney cancer.
