Monday 23 September 2024
Maggie's
You may be worried about kidney cancer, have been recently diagnosed, or you may be thinking of someone you care about.
This page has information about kidney cancer symptoms, getting diagnosed, managing treatment and side effects, and how 夜色直播 can help.
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Kidney cancer is a cancer that starts in the kidneys. It is sometimes called renal cancer.
Kidney cancer starts when cells in the kidneys grow in an uncontrolled way and form a tumour.
There are several different types of kidney cancer, including:
What causes kidney cancer is often unknown, but there are factors that may increase your risk of developing it.
Some of these risk factors are specific to kidney cancer, including:
Other risk factors are common to all cancers. Find out more about reducing your risk of cancer.
Having risk factors does not necessarily mean you will get kidney cancer. But it is helpful to be aware of the risks and see a doctor if you have any concerns.
You may be offered regular scans or blood tests if you have high-risk factors or a family history of kidney cancer. Find out more about genetic testing for cancer.
Kidney cancer usually has no early signs. When it does cause symptoms, these may include:
Most people with these symptoms do not have kidney cancer. But if you do have symptoms, it is important to speak to your doctor.
If it is cancer, it will be easier to treat if it has been detected early.
Kidney cancer is often found during tests and scans for other reasons. But if you have been having symptoms, the first step will usually be to see your GP.
Your GP will ask you to describe your symptoms. You should also tell them about any previous kidney or urinary problems you have had, and if you have a family history of kidney cancer.
The doctor might:
If you don't have a hospital appointment and your symptoms continue or get worse, you should make another GP appointment.
Find out more about preparing for your GP appointment.
A urologist is a specialist in the urinary system, including the kidneys. To find the cause of your symptoms, the urologist may arrange further tests, such as:
After these tests and scans, you will be given an appointment to get your results.
Waiting for appointments, tests and results can be a difficult time, and you might find that asking some questions and preparing for your results helps.
Find out more about
The doctor will explain if you have kidney cancer in your results appointment, and whether you need further tests and scans to see if the cancer has moved outside the kidney.
It is normal to feel overwhelmed or in shock after hearing that you have kidney cancer, and you might have a lot of information to process.
Our cancer support specialists are here to listen, to help you understand what your diagnosis means, and to find the right support for you.
Find your nearest 夜色直播 to talk to us, or find out more about understanding a cancer diagnosis.
Treatment can be aimed at shrinking a tumour, removing the cancer completely, or controlling the symptoms that it causes. You may have more than one type of treatment.
The types of treatment most commonly offered for kidney cancer are:
Your cancer care team will work together to decide which treatment options could be best for you. Your urologist and specialist nurse will then discuss these with you.
You might want to get a second opinion before deciding on a treatment plan.
Making treatment decisions can feel daunting, and you might have lots of concerns or questions.
Find out more about how 夜色直播 can support you.
A kidney cancer diagnosis can affect your life in many ways. You may be dealing with:
Contact or visit your nearest 夜色直播 centre and together we will find the right support for you.
You can also explore our cancer support pages for more information.
When treatment ends, it can leave you with mixed feelings of relief and uncertainty.
For many people, kidney cancer is treated successfully. For some, it comes back or is diagnosed at an advanced stage from the start.
We have more information on finishing treatment and treatment for advanced cancer, as well as courses and workshops to support you and your family beyond treatment.
We offer free expert psychological and practical support tailored to you, whatever stage you're at, and for friends and family too.
Last review: Nov 2024 | Next review: Nov 2027
An overview of kidney cancer, including the symptoms, causes, tests and treatments.
From Nhs
Last reviewed: 29 August 2024
Information about the risk factors for kidney cancer and what you might be able to do to help lower your risk.
From American Cancer Society
Last reviewed: 29 August 2024
Information about screening for people at a higher risk of getting kidney cancer.
From Cancer Research Uk (Cruk)
Last reviewed: 29 August 2024
Information about getting referred to a specialist, and UK referral guidelines.
From Cancer Research Uk (Cruk)
Last reviewed: 29 August 2024
Information about kidney cancer, symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment and support.
From Macmillan Cancer Support
Last reviewed: 29 August 2024
Information about how staging and grading is used to determine how far kidney cancer has spread and how fast it in growing.
From Kidney Cancer Uk
Last reviewed: 20 August 2024
Information about preparing for treatment, as well as treatment options and follow-ups for kidney cancer.
From Cancer Research Uk (Cruk)
Last reviewed: 29 August 2024
Find out what advanced kidney cancer means, as well as treatments and support to help you cope.
From Cancer Research Uk (Cruk)
Last reviewed: 29 August 2024
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