Kidney cancer
Kidney cancer (renal cell carcinoma) is caused by a relatively rare malignant tumour.
Overview
Kidney cancer (renal cell carcinoma) is caused by a relatively rare malignant tumour. The exact cause is unknown; the risk factors include, among other things, smoking, obesity and high blood pressure. Nowadays, the tumour is often discovered by chance, as it is initially asymptomatic. Otherwise, typical symptoms include blood in the urine and pain and pressure in the side. These symptoms should generally be discussed with the doctor.
Symptoms
- Usually asymptomatic (often discovered by chance)
- Possible symptoms
- Bloody urine
- Pain and pressure in the side (loins)
- Rarely: palpable tumour in the upper abdomen
- Advanced stage
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Episodes of fever
- Night sweats
- Changes in blood pressure
Complication
- Metastases (seeding of cancer cells)
Causes and treatment
Causes
- The cause is not known
Risk factors
- Nicotine consumption
- Abuse of painkillers and alcohol abuse
- Insufficient fluid intake
- Underlying diseases
- High blood pressure
- Obesity
- Kidney cysts
- Chronic limited kidney function
- Family predisposition
- Contact with industrial poisons
- Heavy metals/lead
- Degreasers
- Cadmium
Further treatment by your doctor / in hospital
Possible tests
- Physical examination
- Urine test
- Blood test
- Biopsy, if necessary
- Ultrasound (sonography)
- Early detection
- Tumour is often discovered by chance
- CT scan (computed tomography)
Possible therapies
- Surgery (first choice)
- Removal of tumour (kidney is saved)
- Advanced stages: removal of kidney
- Surgery is often not an option
- Radiation therapy
- Radiofrequency ablation (destruction of tumour by heat)
- Medication
What can I do myself?
- Stop smoking
- Regular preventive examinations, if necessary
Further information
Swiss Cancer League (Schweizerische Krebsliga)
www.krebsliga.ch
Selbsthilfe Schweiz (Self-Help Support Switzerland)
www.selbsthilfeschweiz.ch
Synonyms
kidney cancer, renal cell carcinoma, Grawitz tumour, hypernephroma, renal cell adenocarcinoma, RCC
Exclusion of liability
CSS offers no guarantee for the accuracy and completeness of the information. The information published is no substitute for professional advice from a doctor or pharmacist.