Diseases
renal cell carcinoma
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Overview
Renal cell cancer (also called kidney cancer or renal cell adenocarcinoma) is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells are found in the lining of tubules (very small tubes) in the kidney. There are 2 kidneys, one on each side of the backbone, above the waist. Tiny tubules in the kidneys filter and clean the blood.
Symptoms
- blood in your urine, which may appear pink, red or cola colored
- loss of appetite
- pain in your back or side that doesn't go away
- tiredness
- unexplained weight loss
Causes
- it's not clear what causes most kidney cancers.
Risk factors
- obesity
- older age. your risk of kidney cancer increases as you age.
- smoking. smokers have a greater risk of kidney cancer than nonsmokers do
Diagnosis
- blood and urine tests.
- imaging tests
- removing a sample of kidney tissue (biopsy).
Medicines used
Frequently asked questions
What is renal cell carcinoma?
Renal cell cancer (also called kidney cancer or renal cell adenocarcinoma) is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells are found in the lining of tubules (very small tubes) in the kidney. There are 2 kidneys, one on each side of the backbone, above the waist. Tiny tubules in the kidneys filter and clean the blood.
What are the symptoms of renal cell carcinoma?
blood in your urine, which may appear pink, red or cola colored, loss of appetite, pain in your back or side that doesn't go away, tiredness, unexplained weight loss
What causes renal cell carcinoma?
it's not clear what causes most kidney cancers.
Which medicines are used for renal cell carcinoma?
aldesleukin, axitinib, bevacizumab, everolimus, ipilimumab, nivolumab, pazopanib, sorafenib, sunitinib, temsirolimus
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