25/09/2025
What is kidney cancer?
Kidney cancer is the abnormal growth of cells in your kidney tissue. In time, these cells form a mass called a tumor. Cancer begins when something triggers a change in the cells, and they divide out of control.
A cancerous or malignant tumor can spread to other tissues and vital organs. When this happens, itโs called metastasis.
Kidney cancer is much less common in children. However, 500 to 600 children are diagnosed with a Wilms tumor (a type of kidney cancer) every year in the United States.
What are the types of kidney cancer?
There are different types of kidney cancer, including:
Renal cell carcinoma (RCC): This is the most common form of kidney cancer in adults and accounts for 85% of all kidney cancers. Renal cell carcinoma usually develops as a single tumor in one kidney, but it can affect both kidneys. The cancer begins in the cells that line your kidneyโs tubules (tiny tubes that return nutrients and fluid back to your blood). The most common type of RCC is clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC).
Transitional cell cancer: Transitional cell carcinoma accounts for 6% to 7% of all kidney cancers. This cancer usually begins in the area where your ureter connects to the main part of your kidney. This area is called your renal pelvis. Transitional cell carcinoma can also occur in your ureters or bladder.
Renal sarcoma: This is the least common form of kidney cancer, accounting for only 1% of kidney cancer cases. It begins in the connective tissues of your kidneys and, if not treated, can spread to nearby organs and bones.
Wilms tumor: This is the most common type of kidney cancer in children. It accounts for about 5% of kidney cancers.
How common is kidney cancer?
Symptoms :
Kidney cancer symptoms may include:
Blood in your p*e (hematuria),A lump or mass in your kidney area,Flank pain,Tiredness,A general sense of not feeling well,Loss of appetite,Weight loss,Low-grade fever,Bone pain,High blood pressure,Anemia,High calcium.
