What is the first sign of kidney cancer?

The most common early sign is blood in the urine. Some people may also experience persistent side or lower back pain.

What causes kidney cancer?

Kidney cancer occurs when kidney cells grow uncontrollably due to DNA changes. Risk factors include smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, and family history.

Is kidney cancer curable?

Yes, kidney cancer is often curable when detected early, especially with surgery to remove the tumour.

What are the treatment options for kidney cancer?

Common treatments include surgery, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and ablation procedures, depending on the stage.

Where can I get kidney cancer treatment in Hyderabad?

You can consult specialists at Renova Hospitals in Hyderabad for advanced kidney cancer care. Contact us at 040 2333 3333

Home Blogs Kidney Cancer: Early Signs, Causes, and Treatment Options

By Renova Hospitals

March 13, 2026

Kidney Cancer: Early Signs, Causes, and Treatment Options

Q: How is kidney cancer diagnosed?

Doctors diagnose kidney cancer using CT scans, MRI, ultrasound, blood tests, and sometimes a biopsy.

Kidney cancer develops in the kidneys, two bean-shaped organs located on either side of the spine that help filter waste from the blood. The kidneys remove waste from the blood, produce urine, regulate fluid balance, and help control blood pressure.

Kidney cancer begins when abnormal cells in the kidney start growing and multiplying in an uncontrolled way, forming a tumour that may spread if not treated. The most common form of kidney cancer is renal cell carcinoma (RCC), which accounts for about 85–90% of cases in adults.

Kidney cancer is being diagnosed more frequently worldwide, partly due to better imaging technologies and increased awareness. In India, kidney cancer is less common compared to Western countries, but its incidence is gradually rising due to increasing rates of obesity, hypertension, and smoking. Knowing the symptoms and risk factors of kidney cancer can help people recognise warning signs early and seek medical attention.

Key Takeaways

Kidney cancer most commonly occurs as renal cell carcinoma (RCC).
Early stages may not cause symptoms.
Warning signs include blood in urine, persistent back pain, and fatigue.
Surgery is the primary treatment for early kidney cancer.
Lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking and maintaining a healthy weight may help reduce risk.

What is Kidney Cancer?

Kidney cancer develops when changes in the DNA of kidney cells cause them to grow and divide abnormally. Over time, these abnormal cells may form a tumour within the kidney.

The kidneys perform several vital functions, including:

Filtering waste products from the blood
Maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance
Producing urine to eliminate toxins
Regulating blood pressure through hormone production
Stimulating the production of red blood cells

Because the kidneys are located deep inside the body, early kidney tumours may not cause noticeable symptoms. Many kidney tumours are discovered during imaging tests, such as CT scans or ultrasounds, performed for other health concerns.

Types of Kidney Cancer

Kidney cancer includes several types depending on the type of kidney cells where the cancer begins.

1. Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma is the most common form of kidney cancer, accounting for nearly 70–80% of cases. It originates in the lining of the kidney tubules, where urine is produced.

Under a microscope, these cancer cells often appear pale or clear because they contain fats and sugars.

2. Papillary Renal Cell Carcinoma

Papillary RCC represents about 10–15% of kidney cancers. It forms small finger-like projections known as papillae.

There are two main subtypes:

Type 1 is usually slower growing
Type 2 is more aggressive and faster spreading

3. Chromophobe Renal Cell Carcinoma

This subtype accounts for about 5% of kidney cancers and generally has a better prognosis because it tends to grow more slowly than other forms.

4. Collecting Duct Carcinoma

Collecting duct carcinoma is a rare and aggressive form of kidney cancer that develops in the kidney's collecting ducts.

5. Renal Medullary Carcinoma

This rare type is often associated with sickle cell trait and tends to affect younger individuals.

Causes of Kidney Cancer

The exact cause of kidney cancer is not always known. In many cases, kidney cancer begins when mutations occur in the DNA of kidney cells. These DNA changes affect normal cell growth and cause cells to multiply uncontrollably.

As abnormal cells continue to grow, they can form tumours that may invade nearby tissues or spread to other organs through the bloodstream or lymphatic system.

Major Risk Factors for Kidney Cancer

Certain factors can significantly increase the risk of developing kidney cancer.

Smoking

Smoking is one of the most important risk factors. Tobacco chemicals can damage kidney cells and increase the likelihood of cancer development.

Obesity

Excess body weight is strongly linked to kidney cancer. Obesity can alter hormone levels and increase inflammation, which may contribute to cancer growth.

High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

Long-term high blood pressure may damage kidney tissues and increase the risk of tumour formation.

Age

Kidney cancer most commonly occurs in people over the age of 55. The average age of diagnosis is around 60-65 years.

Family History and Genetic Disorders

People with a family history of kidney cancer or genetic conditions such as Von Hippel-Lindau syndrome have a higher risk.

Long-Term Dialysis

Patients undergoing long-term dialysis due to chronic kidney disease may develop cysts in the kidneys that increase cancer risk.

Exposure to Chemicals

Exposure to industrial chemicals such as trichloroethylene, used in metal degreasing, has been linked to kidney cancer.

Symptoms of Kidney Cancer

Kidney cancer often does not cause noticeable symptoms in its early stages. As the tumour grows, symptoms may begin to appear.

Common symptoms include:

Blood in the urine (hematuria), which may appear pink, red, or cola-colored
Persistent pain in the side or lower back
A lump or swelling in the abdomen or side
Fatigue or weakness
Unexplained weight loss
Fever that comes and goes
Loss of appetite
Night sweats
Anaemia (low red blood cell count)

These symptoms can also occur due to other non-cancerous conditions. However, a doctor should evaluate any persistent or unusual symptoms.

How is Kidney Cancer Diagnosed?

If kidney cancer is suspected, doctors may recommend tests to confirm the diagnosis and determine the stage of the cancer.

Imaging Tests

Imaging tests are commonly used to detect kidney tumours.

Common imaging tests include:

CT Scan (Computed Tomography) – provides detailed cross-sectional images of the kidney
MRI Scan (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) – useful when CT scans cannot be performed
Ultrasound – helps detect abnormal masses in the kidney

Blood and Urine Tests

Laboratory tests may be used to evaluate kidney function and detect abnormalities such as anaemia or abnormal liver function.

Biopsy

In some cases, doctors may remove a small sample of kidney tissue for microscopic examination to confirm the presence of cancer cells.

Stages of Kidney Cancer

Kidney cancer is staged using the TNM staging system, which describes the size of the tumour and whether it has spread to lymph nodes or distant organs.

Stage I

Tumour is 7 cm or smaller
Cancer is confined to the kidney

Approximate 5-year survival rate: 90%

Stage II

The tumour is larger than 7 cm
Still limited to the kidney

Approximate 5-year survival rate: 80%

Stage III

Cancer spreads to nearby lymph nodes or blood vessels

Approximate 5-year survival rate: 70%

Stage IV

Cancer spreads to distant organs such as the lungs, bones, or liver

Advanced kidney cancer often requires systemic treatments such as targeted therapy or immunotherapy.

Treatment Options for Kidney Cancer

Treatment options depend on the stage of the cancer, tumour size, and the patient’s overall health.

Surgical Treatment

Surgery is the primary treatment for most localised kidney cancers.

Partial Nephrectomy

In this procedure, the surgeon removes only the tumour while preserving the remaining healthy portion of the kidney.

Benefits include:

Preservation of kidney function
Lower risk of chronic kidney disease
Suitable for small or early-stage tumours

Radical Nephrectomy

Radical nephrectomy involves removing the entire kidney along with surrounding tissues and sometimes nearby lymph nodes.

This procedure is recommended when the tumour is large or located in a complex position.

Minimally Invasive Treatments

For patients who cannot undergo surgery, minimally invasive procedures may be considered.

Cryoablation

This technique destroys tumour cells by freezing them with extremely cold temperatures.

Radiofrequency Ablation

Radiofrequency ablation uses high-frequency energy to generate heat and destroy cancer cells.

Immunotherapy for Kidney Cancer

Immunotherapy stimulates the body's immune system to recognise and attack cancer cells. These therapies are often used for advanced or metastatic kidney cancer.

Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapy drugs work by blocking specific pathways that cancer cells use to grow and spread. These medications are commonly used in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy is sometimes used to:

Control symptoms in advanced cancer
Reduce tumour size
Treat cancer that has spread to other organs

Radiation therapy may be used to help control symptoms or treat cancer that has spread to other areas.

Prognosis and Survival Rates

The outlook for kidney cancer patients depends largely on the stage of cancer at diagnosis.

Approximate survival rates include:

Stage I: about 90%
Stage II: about 80%
Stage III: about 70%
Stage IV: significantly lower survival rates

Early detection and timely treatment greatly improve survival outcomes.

Can Kidney Cancer Be Prevented?

Although kidney cancer cannot always be prevented, healthy lifestyle habits may help lower the risk.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

Excess weight is strongly linked to kidney cancer risk.

Quit Smoking

Stopping smoking significantly reduces the risk of many cancers, including kidney cancer.

Control Blood Pressure

Proper management of hypertension protects kidney health.

Eat a Healthy Diet

A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains supports overall health.

Stay Physically Active

Regular exercise improves metabolic health and lowers cancer risk.

When Should You See a Doctor?

You should consult a healthcare professional if you experience:

Blood in the urine
Persistent pain in the side or back
Unexplained weight loss
Severe fatigue or weakness

If these symptoms persist, it is advisable to consult a doctor for proper evaluation.

Medical Disclaimer:

The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional, such as a doctor, regarding any medical condition or symptoms. Do not ignore or delay seeking medical care based on the information provided here.

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