There are several types of kidney cancer, including renal cell cancer (renal adenocarcinoma or hypernephroma), transitional cell carcinoma, and Wilms tumor. Symptoms of kidney cancer include blood in the urine, an abdominal lump or mass, chronic pain in the side, and tiredness. Treatment of kidney cancer -- which may include surgery, arterial embolization, radiation therapy, biological therapy or chemotherapy -- depends upon the stage of the disease and the patient's overall health. Read more: Kidney Cancer Article
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Understanding Cancer: Metastasis, Stages of Cancer, and More
Learn the basics about cancer including types, causes, how it spreads, symptoms and signs, stages and treatment options. Read...
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Signs of Cancer in Women: Symptoms You Can't Ignore
Colon and stomach cancer symptoms can surprise women but can be treated if detected early. Learn about breast cancer signs and...
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Cancer-Fighting Foods: Resveratrol, Green Tea, and More
Experts have praised certain foods for their ability to reduce cancer risks. Learn which foods and eating strategies may help...
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Kidney Disease Quiz: Test Your Medical IQ
Kidney disease is common. Take this kidney disease quiz to test your knowledge and learn the symptoms, causes and types of kidney...
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Picture of Kidneys
The kidneys are a pair of organs located in the back of the abdomen. See a picture of the Kidneys and learn more about the health...
IMAGES
Kidney Cancer See a medical illustration of the kidney plus our entire medical gallery of human anatomy and physiology See ImagesRelated Disease Conditions
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Cancer
Cancer is a disease caused by an abnormal growth of cells, also called malignancy. It is a group of 100 different diseases, and is not contagious. Cancer can be treated through chemotherapy, a treatment of drugs that destroy cancer cells.
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High Red Blood Cell Count (Polycythemia)
Polycythemia (elevated red blood cell count) is a rare blood disease in which the body produces too many red blood cells. Causes of polycythemia are either primary (acquired or genetic mutations) or secondary (diseases, conditions, high altitude).
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Kidney Pain
Kidney pain has a variety of causes and symptoms. Infection, injury, trauma, bleeding disorders, kidney stones, and less common conditions may lead to kidney pain. Symptoms associated with kidney pain may include fever, vomiting, nausea, flank pain, and painful urination. Treatment of kidney pain depends on the cause of the pain.
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Obesity and Overweight
Get the facts on obesity and being overweight, including the health risks, causes, reviews of weight-loss diet plans, BMI chart, symptoms, causes, surgical and nonsurgical treatments, and medications.
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Internal Bleeding
Internal bleeding is a serious consequence of trauma and can be life-threatening, requiring immediate medical attention. Learn about signs, causes, and treatment.
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Cancer Risk Factors and Causes
Though it's difficult to say why some people develop cancer while others don't, research shows that certain risk factors increase a person's odds of developing cancer. These risk factors include growing older, family history of cancer, diet, alcohol and tobacco use, and exposure to sunlight, ionizing radiation, certain chemicals, and some viruses and bacteria.
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Fever
Although a fever technically is any body temperature above the normal of 98.6 F (37 C), in practice, a person is usually not considered to have a significant fever until the temperature is above 100.4 F (38 C). Fever is part of the body's own disease-fighting arsenal; rising body temperatures apparently are capable of killing off many disease-producing organisms.
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Symptoms of 12 Serious Diseases and Health Problems
Learn how to recognize early warning signs and symptoms of serious diseases and health problems, for example, chronic cough, headache, chest pain, nausea, stool color or consistency changes, heartburn, skin moles, anxiety, nightmares, suicidal thoughts, hallucinations, delusions, lightheadedness, night sweats, eye problems, confusion, depression, severe pelvic or abdominal pain, unusual vaginal discharge, and nipple changes. The symptoms and signs of serious health problems can be caused by strokes, heart attacks, cancers, reproductive problems in females (for example, cancers, fibroids, endometriosis, ovarian cysts, and sexually transmitted diseases or STDs), breast problems (for example, breast cancer and non-cancer related diseases), lung diseases (for example, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD, lung cancer, emphysema, and asthma), stomach or digestive diseases (for example, cancers, gallbladder, liver, and pancreatic diseases, ulcerative colitis, or Crohn's disease), bladder problems (for example, urinary incontinence, and kidney infections), skin cancer, muscle and joint problems, emotional problems or mental illness (for example, postpartum depression, major depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), mania, and schizophrenia), and headache disorders (for example, migraines, or "the worst headache of your life), and eating disorders and weight problems (for example, anorexia or bulimia).
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Arsenic Poisoning
Arsenic comes in two forms, inorganic and organic. Organic arsenic poisoning is usually not poisonous to humans; however, inorganic arsenic in large enough amounts can lead to shock and death. Symptoms of arsenic poisoning include nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, dehydration, dark urine, vertigo, delirium, shock, and death. Treatment for arsenic poisoning includes Hemodialysis and a variety of drugs.
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Tumor Grade
Tumor grade is a system used to classify cancer cells in how likely the tumor is to grow and how abnormal they look under a microscope. Tumor grade is not the same as tumor stage. A biopsy is taken to determine if the tumor is benign (non cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
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How Do I Get Rid of a Cyst on My Kidney?
Learn what medical treatments can help get rid of your kidney cysts and speed up your recovery.
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Smoking (How to Quit Smoking)
Smoking is an addiction. More than 430,000 deaths occur each year in the U.S. from smoking related illnesses. Secondhand smoke or "passive smoke" also harm family members, coworkers, and others around smokers. There are a number of techniques available to assist people who want to quit smoking.
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Blood in Urine
Blood in the urine is termed hematuria. Hematuria, whether it be gross or microscopic, is abnormal and should be further investigated.
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How Long Does It Take to Recover From Laparoscopic Surgery?
When done for the treatment of medical conditions, the recovery may vary depending on the type of treatment. After a major surgery, such as a laparoscopic hysterectomy (removal of the uterus), removal of the ovaries or removal of a kidney for the treatment of cancer, it may take up to 12 weeks to recover. The patient may be able to resume their activities within 3 weeks of a minor laparoscopic surgery, such as an appendix removal.
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Can You Live a Normal Life After Donating a Kidney?
Kidney donor surgery is considered a very low-risk surgery with few major complications. People who have donated a kidney can lead active and full lives.
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What Are the Early Signs of Kidney Cancer?
Kidney cancer or renal cell carcinoma is an abnormal growth of kidney cells. The most common and early sign of kidney cancer is blood in the urine or hematuria.
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Asbestos (Exposure Dangers, Testing, Symptoms)
Asbestos is a mineral fiber that is found in soil and rock. Asbestos exposure occurs when asbestos fibers are disturbed and released into the air then and inhaled. Inhaling asbestos fibers causes three lung diseases; asbestosis, lung cancer, and noncancerous lung disease. In asbestosis, the asbestos fibers scar the lungs. Asbestosis and lung cancer have the same symptoms of cough and shortness of breath.Asbestosis progresses slowly, frequently even 20 to 40 years after asbestos exposure. Asbestos exposure include can come from a variety of products, for example, drinking water due to the decay of asbestos cement in water mains and erosion of natural deposits (which increases your risk of developing benign intestinal polyps), insulation, vinyl floor tiles, some paints and patching compounds, oil and coal furnaces and doors, heat-resistant fabrics, and automobiles brakes and clutches. Some uses of asbestos are banned; however, most are not. Examples of products banned from using asbestos are commercial, corrugated, and specialty paper, flooring felt, and artificial fireplace embers that contain asbestos. Examples of products not banned from using asbestos include vinyl flooring, clothing, roof and non-roof coatings, friction materials, and some car components.Cancers of the larynx, throat, kidney, esophagusand gallbladder have been linked to asbestos exposure. Treatment is dependent upon the type of condition related to asbestos exposure.
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Kidney Dysplasia: In Infants and Children
Kidney dysplasia is a condition in which one or both of a baby's kidneys do not develop normally. In kidney dysplasia, cysts replace normal kidney tissue. Signs of kidney dysplasia include enlarged kidneys and, rarely, high blood pressure. A child with kidney dysplasia may not have any symptoms. Genes and maternal exposure to certain drugs may cause kidney dysplasia. Regular checkups should include blood pressure measurements, kidney function tests, and urine testing for protein.
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Cancer Prevention
Certain behavioral, lifestyle, and environmental factors contribute to cancer. Cancer prevention involves modifying these factors to decrease cancer risk. Tobacco use, alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, inadequate fruit and vegetable intake, and obesity increase the risk of certain cancers. Vaccines, genetic testing, and cancer screening also play a role in cancer prevention.
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Cancer Fatigue
Cancer fatigue is a lack of energy that is caused by cancer or cancer treatment, including chemotherapy, radiation, biological therapy, or bone marrow transplantation. Strategies to combat cancer fatigue include scheduling rest, pacing oneself, planning ahead and prioritizing work and activities, eating the right foods, exercising, and practicing proper body mechanics.
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Can a Bronchoscopy Detect Cancer?
If there are any abnormal areas detected on tests such as an x-ray or CT scan, the bronchoscope can be used to collect a biopsy sample the labs can test for cancer.
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Cancer Pain
Cancer pain results from the tumor pressing on nerves or invading bones or organs. Cancer treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery can also cause pain. Over-the-counter pain relievers, prescription medications, radiation, biofeedback, and relaxation techniques are just some treatments for cancer pain.
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What Are the Top 6 Health Threats for Men?
Almost every health condition is more lethal for men than for women. Among these, six conditions that stand out are heart disease, cancer, diabetes, liver disease, HIV, and suicide.
Treatment & Diagnosis
- Creatinine Blood Test
- Urinalysis (Urine Test)
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging Scan)
- Erythropoietin (EPO Test)
- Biological Therapy
- What Are the Side Effects of Having Your Left Adrenal Gland Removed?
- CT Scan (Computerized Tomography)
- Dialysis
- Chemotherapy
- How Is a CT Urogram Performed?
- Radiation Therapy
- Ultrasound
- Screening Tests for Cancer
- Hemodialysis (Treatment for Kidney Failure)
- Questions To Ask Before Surgery
Medications & Supplements
- Dilaudid vs. Fentanyl (Pain Strength Comparison and Side Effects)
- Interferon: Potential COVID-19 Treatment
- mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept)
- fentanyl patch (Duragesic)
- Side Effects of Prograf (tacrolimus)
- mannitol
- Side Effects of Opdivo (nivolumab)
- aldesleukin (Proleukin)
- Ayvakit (avapritinib)
- Veltassa (patiromer)
- Feraheme (ferumoxytol injection)
- Pemazyre (pemigatinib)
- granisetron transdermal system (patch), Sancuso
- Auryxia (ferric citrate)
- Jynarque (tolvaptan)
- Monoferric (ferric derisomaltose)
- Fotivda (tivozanib)
- Albuminar (albumin) Side Effects, Warnings, and Drug Interactions
- Side Effects of Proleukin (aldesleukin)
- Side Effects of Yervoy (ipilimumab)
- Injectafer (ferric carboxymaltose)
- Cyramza (ramucirumab)
- Lenvima (lenvatinib)
- Cabometyx (cabozantinib)
- Oxlumo (lumasiran)
- Bavencio (avelumab)
- ipilimumab (Yervoy)
Prevention & Wellness
- New Combo Immunotherapy Prolongs Survival in Patients With Advanced Kidney Cancer
- U.S. Kidney Transplant Outcomes Are Improving
- Drug Improves Survival for Rare, Deadly Kidney Cancer
- Wildfire Pollution Puts Kidney Patients at Risk
- Blood Test Catches 5 Cancer Types Early
- Mediterranean Diet May Help Preserve Kidney Function After Transplant
- Are Scientists Closer to Growing Made-to-Order Kidneys?
- Donated Kidneys From Pot Users Seem Safe: Study
- Newer Nonstick Coating May Pose Health Threat: EPA
- Fewer Late-Stage Kidney Deaths After Obamacare: Study
- One Reason Why Kidney Transplants Fail
- Study Confirms Added Cancer Risk for Diabetics, Especially Women
- 850 Million People Worldwide Have Kidney Disease
- 'Heat Zapping' Kidney Tumors May Help Some Patients Avoid Surgery
- Drug May Spare Some Kidney Cancer Patients From Organ Removal
- Belly Fat Tied to Lower Kidney Cancer Survival Odds in Women
- 'Couch Potatoes' May Face Higher Risk of Kidney, Bladder Cancers
- Can Drug Company Perks Sway Cancer Docs' Prescriptions?
- Drug Offers Some Hope for a Deadly Lung Cancer
- Survival Continues to Improve for Most Cancers
- Kidney Cancer Drug Shows Promise in Early Trial
- More Cancer Patients Gaining From Immune-Based Treatments
- Do Overweight People Fare Better Than Others With Kidney Cancer?
- Excess Weight Tied to Higher Risk for Many Cancers, Experts Say
- Some Advanced Kidney Cancer Patients May Postpone Treatment
- Too Much Red Meat Might Harm Kidneys, Study Suggests
- 3-D Printed Model Helps Delicate Kidney Surgery
- Low-Dose Aspirin Tied to Better Cancer Survival in Study
- Certain Biopsy Method Tied to Better Outcomes After Kidney Cancer
- Targeted Drug Shows Promise Against Advanced Kidney Cancer
- Opdivo Approved for Advanced Kidney Cancer
- Kidney Woes Tied to Raised Cancer Risk, Study Finds
- Childhood Cancer Tied to Raised Risk for Other Ills in Adult Life
- Barbecued, Pan-Fried Meat May Boost Kidney Cancer Risk
- Kidney Patients Without Online Access Face Additional Burden
- New Immune-Focused Drug Shows Promise Against Advanced Kidney Cancer
- Young Adult Cancer Survivors More Likely to Be Hospitalized
- Smoking Ups Risk of Complications From Urologic Cancers: Study
- Urine Test Shows Promise for Early Diagnosis of Kidney Cancer
- Nearly 1 in 20 Cancer Patients Die Within Month of Surgery: Study
- Kidney and Thyroid Cancer Rates Up Among U.S. Children, Study Finds
- New Cancer Classification System Might Boost Patient Outcomes
- Low Cholesterol Levels May Spell Trouble for Kidney Cancer Patients
- One Woman's Cancer Battle Highlights Promise of New Treatment
- Nexavar Approval Expanded for Common Thyroid Cancer
- IVF Conception Doesn't Seem to Raise Kids' Cancer Risk: Study
- Kidney Cancer Drugs Equal in Prolonging Survival: Study
- New Drug May Slow Advanced Ovarian Cancer
- Cholesterol Drugs Might Boost Kidney Cancer Survival
- 'Watch and Wait' Approach Often Best for Older Patients With Kidney Cancer
- Cancer Drug Doesn't Speed Up Tumor Growth, Researchers Say
- Black Patients With Kidney Cancer Fare Worse Than Whites: Study
- Some People OK With Monetary Payments to Boost Kidney Donation: Survey
- Radiation for Childhood Cancer Might Raise Diabetes Risk
- Grapefruit Juice May Give Boost to Cancer Treatment: Study
- Votrient Approved to Treat Cancer That Begins in Soft Tissue
- Kidney Cancer Patients Fare Better With Tumor Removal Only
- Immune-Based Drug Combo Might Extend Cancer Survival
- Is Cancer Outwitting 'Personalized Medicine'?
- Certain Cancer Drugs May Have Fatal Side Effects: Analysis
- Drug Approved for Advanced Kidney Cancer
- From Bad to Better: U.S. Cancer Rates Continue to Drop
- New Treatments Target Advanced Breast Cancer
- Microwave Technique Fights Lung Tumors
- Cancer Risk Doubles After Organ Transplant, Study Finds
- New Warning Added to Avastin Label
- Long-Term Painkiller Use Linked to Kidney Cancer
- Kidney Cancer on the Rise
- FDA Panel: Avastin Not for Breast Cancer
- Exercise Recommended for Cancer Patients
- Study Disputes Link Between Milk and Kidney Cancer
- Hepatitis C Tied to Higher Kidney Cancer Risk
- Sunlight May Help Protect Men From Kidney Cancer
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