Navigation
[TITLE]

[MESSAGE]

[BUTTONS]

Popular questions...

Content

What is the outlook for kidney cancer?

As with any cancer, the outlook for kidney cancer depends on the type and stage of the disease, but the overall five-year survival rate is 72%. Advances in treatment are continually improving these statistics.

FAQ Frequently asked questions

What is kidney cancer?

Kidney cancer is when abnormal cells replicate uncontrollably in the kidneys. The kidneys are the organs that remove waste products from blood and regulate blood pressure, as well as the blood's electrolyte balance.

What causes kidney cancer?

The cause of DNA damage in kidney cancer is mostly unknown. Cancer in general is due to damage to DNA that results in uncontrolled cell growth. Cancers can grow to invade nearby tissue, or cancer cells can break off and spread throughout the body through the …

What are the symptoms of kidney cancer?

In the early stages of kidney cancer there are no symptoms. In the late stages, symptoms include anemia, weight loss and abdominal pain.

Can kidney cancer be cured?

Kidney cancer can be cured with appropriate treatment and follow-up, especially if detected early.

Are there different types of kidney cancer?

The different types of cancer are defined according to the type of cell they start in. Renal cell carcinoma is the most common type. It originates in the renal cells that line the small tubes within the kidney.

What increases the chances of developing kidney cancer?

Kidney cancer is more common in men. Other risk factors include older age, smoking, high blood pressure, obesity, dialysis and a family history of the disease.

How is kidney cancer diagnosed?

Kidney cancer does not usually cause symptoms in the early stages, so if it is detected early, it is often because routine physical examinations for other problems have revealed it. In later stages of kidney cancer, blood may be found in your urine.

How is kidney cancer treated?

Kidney cancer is treated using a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy and sometimes immunotherapy.

Can kidney cancer be prevented?

Kidney cancer cannot be prevented, but you can reduce your risk by quitting smoking if you smoke, and by maintaining a healthy weight and diet.

Related topics

Diseases & conditions

Lung cancer

Lung cancer is the name for cancers that arise in lung tissue. Abnormal cells can interfere with lung function and spread to other parts of the body. Smoking is a major risk factor, although non-smokers can also develop lung cancer.…
Diseases & conditions

Ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer is the name for cancers that arise in the ovaries, which are part of the female reproductive system. Abnormal cells can form tumours in the ovaries and spread to other parts of the body.…
Diseases & conditions

Melanoma

Melanoma is a type of cancer that starts in the melanocyte cells of the skin, usually due to damage from UV light (sunlight). A new or changing mole may be a sign of a potential melanoma. Melanoma cells can spread to other parts of the body.…
Diseases & conditions

Skin cancer

Skin cancer is a group of cancers that originate from several different types of skin cells. Treatment options vary, depending on the type and stage. Protective measures, such as minimising sun exposure and wearing appropriate clothing outdoors, can go a long way towards preventing skin cancer.…
Diseases & conditions

Prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is the name for cancers that form in the prostate gland, which is part of the male reproductive system. Abnormal cells can form a tumour in the prostate gland and spread throughout the body, commonly to the bones.…
Diseases & conditions

Breast cancer

Breast cancer is the name for cancers that develop in breast tissue. Abnormal cells can form a tumour (lump) in the breast and spread throughout the body. Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer among women, but can also develop in men.…

About this article

Author: Jonathan Meddings BMedLabSc (Hons)
First answered: 18 Sep 2014
Last reviewed: 19 May 2018
Rating: 5.0 out of 5
Votes: 1509 (Click smiley face below to rate)
Category: Lung cancer

×

Content goes in here.