Renal Cancer

The kidneys are the two organs that clean the blood and produce urine, among other functions. Renal cancer is one kind of kidney cancer, but there are other types as well.

What are the symptoms of renal cancer?
There are often none in the early stages. Later, symptoms may include such things as blood in the urine, loss of appetite and unintended weight loss, fatigue, fevers, pain or a lump in the abdomen, or vision problems. In women, new and abnormal hair growth may occur. In men, there may be a variocele, a varicose vein within the scrotum.

How is renal cancer diagnosed?
Some of the tests used to diagnose renal cancer may include urine and blood tests, imaging of the kidneys and entire abdominal area, and a biopsy.

What are the treatments for renal cancer?
Surgery can include removal of all or part of a kidney. The body can function with one kidney, but if both are removed a kidney transplant or dialysis will be necessary. Radiation, chemotherapy and targeted therapy are often performed.

What are the risk factors for renal cancer?
Genetics, including a family history of renal cancer, smoking, obesity, overuse of certain painkillers and high blood pressure increase the risk.

What are some additional resources for learning about renal cancer?
If you or your loved one is facing renal cancer, CalvertHealth has a whole range of services designed to help you so you never take this journey alone. Please talk to your CalvertHealth provider or your Nurse Navigator, or check the service pages for information about treatments, services and support groups. You may also find more information on renal cancer from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network.