- Patients
- Exploring cancer care
- Conditions we treat
- Genitourinary cancer
- Kidney cancer
What is kidney cancer?
Chapter 01
What is kidney cancer?
Kidney cancer occurs when abnormal cells develop in the kidney and grow in an uncontrolled way.1
The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs located on either side of the spine at around waist level. Kidneys are part of the body’s urinary system, and work to filter waste from the blood and eliminate that waste as urine.1,2
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Most kidney cancers – around 90% – are renal cell carcinomas (RCC),* which develop in cells that line the small tubes (nephrons) found in the kidney’s filtering system. Usually only one kidney has a single tumour, but sometimes there may be more than one tumour or both kidneys are affected. The most common subtype of RCC is called clear cell RCC.1,2
*Cancer Australia. Kidney cancer: types of kidney cancer. October 2023.
Other, less common types of kidney cancer include:1,2
- Urothelial carcinoma (or transitional cell carcinoma) – these can develop in the ureter (tube connecting the kidney to the bladder) or renal pelvis (where the kidney and ureter meet), and often behave more like bladder cancers than kidney cancers
- Wilms tumour (or nephroblastoma) – these are usually diagnosed in younger children, and often not diagnosed until the tumours become quite large
- Renal sarcoma – these are a rare cancer that start in blood vessels or other tissues in the kidney
Kidney cancer may not cause symptoms in the early stages. Common symptoms associated with kidney cancer may include:1,2
- Blood in the urine (haematuria)
- Change in urine colour – red, dark, rusty, or brown
- Frequent urination or urinating at night
- Pain in the side or lower back
- A lump in the abdomen or side
- Fatigue (constant tiredness)
- Fever not associated with colds or flu
- Unexplained weight loss
- Lack of appetite
- Symptoms associated with conditions of abnormal blood production (e.g., anaemia)
These are not all the possible symptoms of kidney cancer. Symptoms and their severity will vary between individuals. Some symptoms may be difficult to notice. If you have one or more of these symptoms, it doesn't necessarily mean that you have kidney cancer. If you are concerned or have any questions, please speak with your GP or specialist.1,2
The exact cause of kidney cancer is unknown, but different factors may increase the risk of developing kidney cancer. These risk factors may include:1,2
- Smoking
- Being overweight or obese
- High blood pressure
- Advanced kidney disease
- Sex – RCC is more common in men than women
- Family history of kidney cancer
- Certain genetic conditions
- Exposure to certain chemicals (e.g., arsenic, cadmium)
- Misuse of certain types of pain medicines over a long time
If you have one or more of these risk factors, it doesn't necessarily mean that you will develop kidney cancer. If you have any questions or concerns about kidney cancer risk factors regarding, please speak with your GP or specialist.1,2
Diagnosis
Chapter 02
Diagnosing kidney cancer
Different tests may be performed to assess symptoms and to diagnose kidney cancer, including identifying the disease type and stage. As well as a physical examination, tests may include:1,2
- Blood and urine tests – although these tests can't diagnose kidney cancer on their own, they may help to understand general health and check for problems in kidney function
- Imaging scans – ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, may be used to detect kidney cancer or assess if it has spread
- Biopsy – a small amount of kidney tissue is removed so the cells can be examined under a microscope; a biopsy may be used to confirm a diagnosis of kidney cancer but is not always necessary before starting treatment
Treatment options
Chapter 03
Treatment options for kidney cancer
Treatment for kidney cancer depends on a number of factors including the type, stage, and severity of kidney cancer, as well as the patient’s general health, age, and personal preferences.1 Treatment options for kidney cancer may include:1,2
- Surgery – aims to remove the cancer, and may involve the removal of part of a kidney, a whole kidney, or a whole kidney and some surrounding tissues
- Radiation therapy – uses a controlled dose of radiation, usually in the form of high energy x-rays, to help kill cancer cells or slow their growth and spread
- Immunotherapy – helps a patient’s own immune system fight the cancer, with different types of immunotherapies that work in different ways used to treat different cancers
- Targeted therapy – uses drugs that are designed to attack certain features of cancer cells to stop their growth and spread
All cancer treatments may have side effects. The type and severity of side effects will vary between individuals. You can ask your doctor for detailed information about the side effects that may be associated with any treatment recommended for you.2
Treatment with GenesisCare
Chapter 04
Learn more about patient care at GenesisCare
A cancer diagnosis can be life changing, and you may experience many different emotions.2 Your care team aim to know your name as quickly as possible, and to understand who you are as a person.
Your multidisciplinary care team are here to support you before, during and after your cancer treatment. We aim to provide you with the support you need, which may also include allied health services such as a psychologist, exercise physiologist, physiotherapist, and dietitian.
If you have any enquiries about our centres or services, please contact your local centre team. View a list of our centres here.
Helpful services
Chapter 05
Other helpful services
We understand that you may have more questions about kidney cancer. You may find the following organisations helpful to contact:
Cancer Council Australia
Cancer Council is Australia’s leading cancer charity, supporting families, advocating for the community, empowering cancer prevention, and advancing detection and treatment methods across all cancer types.
Australian Cancer Research Foundation
The Australian Cancer Research Foundation (ACRF) funds cutting-edge cancer research by providing scientists with advanced technology and infrastructure to improve cancer prevention, detection, and treatment.
Kidney Health Australia
Kidney Health Australia raises awareness, supports patients, and promotes early detection and research to improve kidney health.
- Cancer Australia. Kidney cancer. October 2023. Available: https://www.canceraustralia.gov.au/cancer-types/kidney-cancer/overview [accessed February 2024].
- Cancer Council. Understanding kidney cancer. November 2022. Available: https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/types-of-cancer/kidney-cancer [accessed February 2024].
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Disclaimer:
This website is provided for information purposes only. Nothing on this website is intended to be used as medical advice, or to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. It should not be used as a substitute for your own health professional's advice. Any medical procedure or treatment carries risks. Before proceeding with treatment, you should discuss the risks and benefits of the treatment with an appropriately qualified health practitioner. Individual treatment outcomes and experiences will vary.