Understanding Renal Cell Carcinoma

It's the most common type of kidney cancer. Most people who have renal cell carcinoma are older, usually between the ages of 50 and 70. It often starts as just one tumor in a kidney but sometimes begins as several tumors.

Scientists aren't sure exactly what causes renal cell carcinoma. Some things can raise your chances of getting the disease, such as smoking, being very overweight, and exposure to certain dyes, asbestos, cadmium, herbicides, and solvents.

Early on, renal cell carcinoma doesn't usually cause symptoms. As the disease gets more serious, you might have warning signs like blood in your pee, persistent back pain, unexplained weight loss, and fatigue.

Doctors diagnose renal cell carcinoma using physical exams, urine and blood tests, biopsies, a type of X-ray called a CT scan, and ultrasound, which uses sound waves to take a picture of the organs inside your body

Your doctor may recommend surgery to remove part or all of your affected kidney. Another option is ablation. This uses extreme cold or radio waves to destroy tumors.

Biologic and immunotherapy treatments boost your body's own defenses to fight cancer cells.

Targeted therapy uses drugs designed to target specific molecules involved in tumor growth. These treatments attack specific things that cancers need to survive, such as a tumor's blood vessels or certain proteins.

You can do things during and after your treatment to feel stronger physically and emotionally. Eat smaller, more frequent meals to keep up your strength and nourish your body. Exercise is good for your mind and energy level. You may need to balance activity with periods of rest.