Kidney Cancer
Overview
Kidney cancer is a malignant growth arising in kidney tissue, most commonly renal cell carcinoma. Many kidney cancers today are found incidentally during imaging done for an unrelated reason, often while the tumor is still small and confined to the kidney.
Symptoms
Causes
The exact cause is often unclear, but smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, certain genetic conditions, and long-term dialysis are all recognized contributing factors.
Risk Factors
Diagnosis
Diagnosis relies primarily on CT or MRI imaging, with a biopsy used selectively; full staging work-up follows to guide treatment planning.
Complications If Untreated
If untreated, kidney cancer can spread beyond the kidney to lymph nodes and other organs, and can affect overall kidney function.
Treatment Options
Prevention Tips
Not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and managing blood pressure are the most actionable steps to reduce risk.
Lifestyle Advice
Routine imaging follow-up is particularly important for patients on long-term dialysis or with a strong family history of kidney cancer.