Kidney Cancer

Kidney cancer forms in the tissues of the kidney. The most common type of kidney cancer is renal cell carcinoma, which originates in the tiny tubes that help filter toxins out of the blood. A small percentage of kidney cancers are renal pelvis carcinomas, which form in the center of the kidney where urine collects. Both types of kidney cancer are treatable and have a five-year survival rate of around 65%. Risk factors for developing kidney cancer include smoking, obesity, occupational exposures to asbestos, herbicides, and the metal cadmium. Family history is also a strong indicator, especially in those whose siblings developed kidney cancer. Symptoms of kidney cancer include bloody urine, abdominal lumps, side pain, and unexpected weight loss. The stages of kidney cancer range from I to IV, depending on tumor size and spread. Kidney cancer treatments include surgery, targeted therapy, biological therapy, or a combination of these.