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Kidney Cancer

(Adenocarcinoma of the Kidney; Renal Cell Carcinoma)

By

The Manual's Editorial Staff

Reviewed/Revised Sep 2022
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Cancer Overview of Cancer Cancer is the out-of-control growth of cells in your body. Cells are the tiny building blocks of your body. Cells specialize in what they do. For example, your intestines have muscle cells to... read more is the out-of-control growth of cells in your body. Cells are the tiny building blocks of your body. Cells specialize in what they do. Different organs are made of different kinds of cells. Almost any kind of cell can become cancerous.

What is kidney cancer?

The Kidneys
VIDEO

Kidneys are the 2 bean-shaped organs that make urine. Kidney cancer is the out-of-control growth of cells in your kidney.

The Urinary Tract

The Urinary Tract

What are the symptoms of kidney cancer?

The most common first symptom is:

  • Blood in your urine—your urine may be red or the amount of blood may be so tiny that it can only be seen under a microscope

Other symptoms include:

  • Pain in your side and back, near your rib cage (your flank area)

  • Weight loss

How do doctors tell if I have kidney cancer?

Doctors often find kidney cancer by chance when they do a test for another health problem.

If you have kidney cancer, doctors will do other tests to see if your cancer has spread.

How do doctors treat kidney cancer?

NOTE: This is the Consumer Version. DOCTORS: VIEW PROFESSIONAL VERSION
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