Cancer of the Kidney: Symptoms, Treatment, and What You Need to Know
Your kidneys do a lot more than you might think. These small, bean-shaped organs act as the body’s natural filtration system, removing waste and balancing fluids to keep everything running smoothly. But what happens when something disrupts that balance? Cancer of the kidney, also known as kidney cancer, can develop silently, often showing no symptoms until it has progressed. Understanding the early symptoms, risk factors, and treatment options is crucial for improving outcomes and taking control of your health.
What Is Cancer of the Kidney?
Kidney cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in the kidneys, forming a tumor. The most common type is renal cell carcinoma (RCC), accounting for nearly 90% of cases. Other forms include Wilms tumor (nephroblastoma), which affects children, and transitional cell carcinoma, which starts in the urinary tract lining. In advanced stages, metastatic kidney cancer can spread beyond the kidneys to the bones, lungs, or liver, making treatment more challenging.
Since kidney cancer can spread to the bones, understanding early bone cancer symptoms can help detect metastasis sooner. Learn more about early signs of cancer in the bones here.
What Causes Kidney Cancer? Who Is at Risk?
While the exact cause of kidney cancer isn’t always clear, certain risk factors increase the likelihood of developing the disease:
- Chronic Kidney Disease & Dialysis – Long-term kidney damage raises cancer risk.
- Smoking – Research shows that smokers are twice as likely to develop renal cell carcinoma compared to non-smokers.
- High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) – Uncontrolled hypertension can contribute to kidney cell damage.
- Obesity & Poor Diet – Excess body weight has been linked to inflammation and hormonal imbalances that may trigger cancer growth.
- Toxin & Chemical Exposure – Industrial chemicals, herbicides, and long-term use of certain pain medications may play a role.
- Genetic Conditions – Inherited syndromes like Von Hippel-Lindau disease or hereditary leiomyomatosis increase risk.
Obesity, a known risk factor for kidney cancer, is also linked to several other cancers, including colon cancer. Find out how obesity increases colon cancer risk here.
Early Symptoms of Kidney Cancer: What to Watch For
One of the biggest challenges with kidney cancer is that early symptoms often go unnoticed. In many cases, the disease is only discovered during routine imaging tests for unrelated issues. However, as the tumor grows, certain warning signs may appear:
- Blood in the Urine (Hematuria) – One of the most common early symptoms of kidney cancer, causing urine to appear pink, red, or brown.
- Lower Back Pain or Pressure – A dull, persistent pain in the side or lower back, often mistaken for muscle strain.
- Unexplained Weight Loss – A sudden drop in weight without changes in diet or exercise.
- Fatigue & Anemia – The kidneys play a key role in red blood cell production, so low oxygen levels can cause persistent tiredness.
- A Lump or Mass in the Abdomen – Though not always detectable, a growing kidney tumor may cause a noticeable bulge or swelling.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to consult a doctor. Early detection significantly improves survival rates.
How Is Kidney Cancer Diagnosed?
Because kidney cancer doesn’t always cause symptoms, imaging tests are often the first step in diagnosis:
- CT Scans & MRIs – Provide detailed images of the kidney and surrounding tissues.
- Ultrasound – Helps detect solid masses versus fluid-filled cysts.
- Blood & Urine Tests – Look for kidney function abnormalities or blood markers.
- Biopsy – A small sample of kidney tissue is examined under a microscope to confirm cancerous cell presence.
Once diagnosed, staging helps determine how far the cancer has spread:
- Stage 1: Tumor is small and confined to the kidney.
- Stage 2-3: Cancer has grown larger or spread to nearby tissues or lymph nodes.
- Stage 4 (Metastatic Kidney Cancer): Cancer has spread to distant organs like bones, liver, or lungs.
Since kidney cancer can spread to the lungs, recognizing lung cancer symptoms early is critical for better treatment outcomes. Learn how to recognize early lung cancer symptoms here.
How Is Kidney Cancer Treated?
Can kidney cancer be cured? In early stages, surgery is often successful in removing the tumor completely. However, treatment depends on the cancer stage, overall health, and spread of the disease.
Surgical Options
- Partial Nephrectomy (Kidney-Sparing Surgery) – Only the tumor is removed, preserving kidney function.
- Radical Nephrectomy – The entire kidney is removed if the tumor is large or spreading.
- Laparoscopic vs. Open Surgery – Some surgeries are minimally invasive, reducing recovery time.
Non-Surgical Treatments
- Radiation Therapy – Targets and shrinks tumors, often used when surgery isn’t an option.
- Immunotherapy – Boosts the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells.
- Targeted Therapy – Focuses on blocking specific growth signals that cancer cells rely on.
- Clinical Trials – New drugs and combinations are being tested to improve treatment outcomes.
Kidney Cancer Survival Rate by Stage
Survival rates depend on how early the cancer is detected:
- Stage 1: 81-90% five-year survival rate.
- Stage 2-3: 50-70% survival rate, depending on tumor size and spread.
- Stage 4 (Metastatic Kidney Cancer): 12-15% survival rate, though new treatments offer hope.
Early detection is key. The sooner cancer of the kidney is diagnosed, the better the chances of a successful outcome.
Best Foods for Kidney Cancer Patients & Lifestyle Tips
A kidney-friendly diet can support treatment, recovery, and long-term health.
- Hydrating Foods – Watermelon, cucumbers, and celery help maintain kidney function.
- Anti-Inflammatory Choices – Leafy greens, berries, and nuts fight oxidative stress.
- Protein Balance – Lean proteins (fish, tofu, legumes) support healing without overloading the kidneys.
- Limit Processed Foods – High sodium and preservatives can stress the kidneys.
Exercise & Mental Well-Being
- Light Physical Activity – Gentle movement can improve energy levels and reduce treatment side effects.
- Join a Support Group – Connecting with others facing kidney cancer can provide emotional support and motivation.
Living with Kidney Cancer: Support & Resources
Coping with cancer of the kidney is a physical and emotional journey. Staying informed and finding support networks can help.
- Routine Follow-Ups & Scans – Regular checkups help track treatment progress.
- Exploring Clinical Trials – Ongoing research offers new treatment possibilities.
- Online Resources & Support Groups – Websites like Cancer.gov, KidneyCancer.org, and patient advocacy groups provide valuable information.
Final Thoughts & Next Steps
Cancer of the kidney may be life-altering, but knowledge, early detection, and the right treatment plan can make a huge difference. If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms, don’t wait to consult a doctor. The earlier it’s caught, the better the chances of treatment success.
For the latest kidney cancer research, clinical trials, and dietary tips, stay informed and seek support when needed. No one should navigate this journey alone—help is always available.