Renal Cell Cancer
Renal Cell Carcinoma Facts
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The kidneys are a pair of organs located just below the level of the ribs in the tissue behind the bowels and just to the front of and to either side of the backbone or spine. The job of the kidneys is to filter excess water and waste products from the blood. The water and waste then drain from each kidney through a tube called a ureter to the bladder and are eliminated from the body as urine through the urethra. The kidneys also produce substances that help control blood pressure and the formation of red blood cells.
Several different types of cancer can develop in the kidney. Clear cell renal cell cancer, also known as renal cell carcinoma, is by far the most common type of kidney cancer in adults. Renes is the Latin word for kidney. Renal cell carcinoma accounts for about most cancers arising from the kidney. Renal cell carcinoma develops in the tubules of the kidney. Tubules are part of the filtering system.
Cancer occurs when normal cells undergo a transformation. Because of this transformation, the cells grow and multiply without normal controls can damage adjacent tissues, and can spread or metastasize to other parts of the body.
Most renal cell carcinomas occur in people aged 50-70 years, but the disease can occur at any age. About twice as many men as women develop this cancer, and it occurs in all races and ethnic groups.
Like almost all cancers, renal cell cancer is most likely to be successfully treated when it is found early.
Medically Reviewed by a Doctor on 12/14/2015
Kush Sachdeva, MD
Brendan Curti, MD
Winston W Tan, MD
Mary L Windle, PharmD
Koyamangalath Krishnan, MD, FRCP
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The eMedicineHealth doctors ask about Renal Cell Cancer:
Renal Cell Carcinoma - Metastasis
Had your renal cell carcinoma metastasized by the time it was diagnosed?
Renal Cell Cancer - Experience
What is your biggest challenge with living with renal cell carcinoma?
Renal Cell Carcinoma - Treatment
What treatment has been effective for your renal cell carcinoma?
Renal Cell Carcinoma - Symptoms and Signs
The symptoms and signs of renal cell carcinoma can vary greatly from patient to patient. What were your symptoms and signs at the onset of your disease?