Renal cell cancer (also called kidney cancer or renal cell adenocarcinoma) is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells are found in the lining of tubules (very small tubes) in the kidney. There are 2 kidneys, one on each side of the backbone, above the waist. Tiny tubules in the kidneys filter and clean the blood.
Cancer that starts in the ureters or the renal pelvis (the part of the kidney that collects urine and drains it to the ureters) is different from renal cell cancer.
The prognosis and treatment options depend on the stage of the disease, and the patient's age and general health. After renal cell cancer has been diagnosed, tests are done to find out if cancer cells have spread within the kidney or to other parts of the body. The cancer may come back in the kidney or in other parts of the body after initial treatment.
There are different types of treatment for patients with renal cell cancer. Five types of standard treatment are used:
- Surgery
- Radiation therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Immunotherapy
- Targeted therapy
New types of treatment are being tested in clinical trials. Patients can enter clinical trials before, during, or after starting their cancer treatment. Follow-up tests may be needed.
