Renal cell carcinoma, often called RCC, is the most common type of kidney cancer in adults. You might feel fine at first — many cases are found on CT scans done for other reasons. But if you notice blood in your urine, a lump in your belly, or persistent flank pain, don’t wait. Early awareness makes a real difference.
Symptoms can be sneaky. The typical signs are:
- Blood in the urine (even if only seen once).
- A lump or hard spot near the side or lower back.
- Dull, persistent ache in the flank or side.
- Unexplained weight loss, fever, or fatigue.
Risk factors raise the odds but don’t guarantee cancer. Smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, long-term dialysis, and certain inherited conditions (like von Hippel–Lindau) increase risk. If you’ve got one or more of these, mention it to your doctor when you have symptoms or routine scans.
If your doctor suspects RCC, they usually start with imaging. An ultrasound can spot a mass; contrast CT or MRI gives a clearer picture of size, location, and whether it’s spread. Blood tests look at kidney function. A biopsy is not always required — many tumors go straight to surgery based on imaging. Still, biopsy can help when the diagnosis or treatment plan is uncertain.
Staging matters because it guides treatment. Localized tumors often have surgical options. If cancer has spread, targeted drugs and immunotherapy are common choices now. Targeted therapies block cancer growth signals. Immunotherapy helps your immune system attack cancer cells. Some people also qualify for clinical trials, which can offer newer options.
Surgery is the go-to for many: partial nephrectomy removes the tumor and saves healthy kidney tissue; radical nephrectomy removes the entire kidney when needed. For small tumors or patients who can’t tolerate surgery, ablation (freezing or heating the tumor) or active surveillance may be reasonable choices.
Questions to ask your care team: What stage is this? What are the treatment options and side effects? Will I keep my other kidney working well? Do I need genetic testing? Are there clinical trials I should know about? Bringing a list of questions helps you make clear decisions under stress.
Practical tips: get copies of your imaging, track symptoms, keep a medication list, and bring a friend to appointments. Lifestyle steps like quitting smoking, managing blood pressure, and keeping a healthy weight can support treatment and recovery.
Facing RCC is hard, but care has improved. A team that includes a urologist, medical oncologist, and radiologist gives you the best shot at a clear plan. If you suspect something, reach out to your doctor — quick action pays off.
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