Kidney Cancer

Kidney cancer is a disease that starts in the kidneys. It happens when healthy cells in one or both kidneys grow out of control and form a lump (called a tumor).  

Renal cell carcinoma is the most common type of kidney cancer in adults. It most often begins in the lining of tiny tubes in the kidney (called "renal tubules"). The renal tubules clean your blood and make urine. Renal cell cancer often stays within the kidney, but it may spread to other parts of the body, most often the bones, lungs, or brain. There are many different types of renal cell carcinoma. The most common types are called clear-cell, chromphobe, and papillary renal cell carcinoma.

Are kidney cancer and kidney disease related?

Studies show there is a link between kidney cancer and kidney disease. Some studies show that people with kidney disease may have a higher risk for kidney cancer.  On the other hand, about one-third of the 300,000 kidney cancer survivors in the United States have or will develop kidney disease. Some reasons are: 

• Long-term dialysis.  Some studies show that people on long-term dialysis have an increased risk for kidney cancer.  Experts believe this risk is due to kidney disease rather than dialysis.

• Surgery on the kidney(called "nephrectomy").  Your risk for kidney disease is higher if all (rather than part) of the kidney must be removed due to cancer.  If the tumor is small, it is better to remove only the tumor, but not the whole kidney.  This lessens your chance of developing kidney disease. However, removing all of the kidney is often better for your survival if the tumor is large or centrally located.

• Immunosuppressant medicines.Some anti-rejection medicines that must be taken by kidney transplant recipients to prevent rejection can increase your risk for kidney cancer.  However, taking your immunosuppressant medicine is important if you have a transplant. Without it, your body will reject your new kidney. 

Remember, not everyone with kidney cancer will get kidney disease.  Likewise, not everyone who has kidney disease or a transplant will get kidney cancer.  Ask your healthcare provider what you can do to lessen your risk.