Kidney cancer

Kidney cancer (renal cell carcinoma) is caused by a relatively rare malignant tumour.

1 May 2021 | 5 Min. Reading Time

Overview

Kidney cancer (renal cell carcinoma) is caused by a relatively rare malignant tumour. The exact cause is unknown; the risk factors include, among other things, smoking, obesity and high blood pressure. Nowadays, the tumour is often discovered by chance, as it is initially asymptomatic. Otherwise, typical symptoms include blood in the urine and pain and pressure in the side. These symptoms should generally be discussed with the doctor.

Symptoms

Usually asymptomatic (often discovered by chance)
Possible symptoms
- Bloody urine
- Pain and pressure in the side (loins)
- Rarely: palpable tumour in the upper abdomen
Advanced stage
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Episodes of fever
- Night sweats
- Changes in blood pressure

Complication

Metastases (seeding of cancer cells)

Causes and treatment

Causes

The cause is not known

Risk factors

Nicotine consumption
Abuse of painkillers and alcohol abuse
Insufficient fluid intake
Underlying diseases
- High blood pressure
- Obesity
- Kidney cysts
- Chronic limited kidney function
Family predisposition
Contact with industrial poisons
- Heavy metals/lead
- Degreasers
- Cadmium

Further treatment by your doctor / in hospital

Possible tests

Physical examination
Urine test
Blood test
Biopsy, if necessary
Ultrasound (sonography)
- Early detection
- Tumour is often discovered by chance
CT scan (computed tomography)

Possible therapies

Surgery (first choice)
- Removal of tumour (kidney is saved)
- Advanced stages: removal of kidney
Surgery is often not an option
- Radiation therapy
- Radiofrequency ablation (destruction of tumour by heat)
- Medication