What is kidney cancer?

Kidney cancer is a disease where abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in the kidneys, forming a tumor. The most common type is renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

What causes kidney cancer?

The exact cause is unknown, but risk factors include smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, and a family history of kidney cancer.

What are the first signs of kidney cancer?

Early symptoms may include blood in the urine, lower back pain, weight loss, fatigue, and a lump in the kidney area.

Where does kidney cancer usually spread first?

Kidney cancer commonly spreads to the lungs, bones, liver, and nearby lymph nodes.

Can kidney cancer be cured?

If detected early, kidney cancer can often be cured through surgery or targeted therapy. Advanced stages are harder to cure but can be managed with treatment.

How long can you live with one kidney?

Many people live normal, healthy lives with one kidney as long as it functions well and they maintain a healthy lifestyle.

What is the life expectancy of a person with kidney cancer?

Life expectancy depends on the stage of kidney cancer. If caught early, survival rates are high, but advanced stages may lower life expectancy.

When is kidney cancer not treatable?

Kidney cancer may not be treatable when it has spread extensively and does not respond to available therapies. At this stage, palliative care is used to manage symptoms.

What is the last stage of kidney cancer?

Stage 4 is the final stage, where cancer has spread to distant organs like the lungs, liver, or bones.

How did I find out I had kidney cancer?

Many people discover kidney cancer during routine scans or tests for other conditions. Symptoms like blood in urine, lower back pain, and unexplained weight loss may lead to further testing.

Is liver cancer a kidney disease?

No, liver cancer affects the liver, while kidney cancer originates in the kidneys. They are separate diseases but may share some risk factors.

Where does kidney cancer metastasize first?

Kidney cancer often spreads first to the lungs, bones, liver, and nearby lymph nodes.

How can kidney cancer be detected early?

Regular health checkups, imaging tests (like CT scans or ultrasounds), and urine tests can help detect kidney cancer early, especially for high-risk individuals.

What is the difference between lower back pain and kidney pain?

Lower back pain is usually muscle-related and affects a broad area. Kidney pain is deeper, often felt on one side below the ribs, and may come with symptoms like fever, nausea, or blood in the urine.

Is kidney cancer hereditary?

While most cases are not inherited, some genetic conditions, like von Hippel-Lindau’s disease, can increase the risk of kidney cancer.

What are the symptoms of kidney cancer?

Symptoms may include blood in the urine, persistent lower back pain, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, and a lump in the kidney area.

What is the rate of kidney cancer coming back?

The recurrence rate depends on the stage and type of kidney cancer. Early-stage cancer has a lower recurrence rate, while advanced cases have a higher risk of returning.

How do you get kidney cancer?

The exact cause is unknown, but risk factors include smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, exposure to certain chemicals, and a family history of kidney cancer.