Kidney cancer (tumor)

Description A cancerous growth ...

Description

A cancerous growth of cells in the kidney. In adults renal cell carcinoma is the most common form of kidney cancer and arises from the renal tubule. Surgery is the primary mode of therapy. Renal cell carcinoma is resistant to radiation therapy and chemotherapy, although some cases respond to immunotherapy. The following conditions increase the risk of this disorder: family history of kidney cancer, high blood pressure, smoking, obesity, male gender, and receiving dialysis treatments. Among children, a common form of kidney cancer is called a Wilms' tumor.

Symptoms

Abdominal pain, abnormal urine color (dark, rusty, or brown), back pain, blood in the urine, unexplained weight loss, enlargement of the scrotum, flank pain, swelling or enlargement of the abdomen.

Tests

Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment

Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Imaging tests, such as ultrasound, MRI or CT scan may be recommended to identify the tumor and to determine the extent of the disease. A biopsy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis.

Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Urinalysis (UA)

Other Specific Tests: IVP (Intravenous pyelogram), renal arteriography, urine cytology

Specialists:
Urology, Blood and Cancer Care (hematology and oncology), Pediatric Hematology and Oncology

Treatment

Surgical removal of all or part of the kidney (nephrectomy) is the primary mode of treatment, and may include removal of the bladder and surrounding lymph nodes. Radiation and chemotherapy is generally not effective. A cure is unlikely unless all of the cancer is removed with surgery.