Understanding the diagnosis
Kidney cancer includes several diseases. Renal cell carcinoma is the most common type in adults. An imaging finding still needs interpretation: not every kidney mass is cancer. Size, location and extent help guide the next steps. This page focuses on tumours in kidney tissue; cancers arising in the renal pelvis, where urine collects, require a different approach. [1] · [2]
Symptoms and reasons to seek assessment
Some tumours cause no symptoms and are found during tests for another condition. Possible signs include blood in the urine, persistent pain in the side, a lump or unexplained weight loss. These can have other causes and do not confirm cancer. Seek assessment if you notice blood in your urine, even if it later disappears. [3] · [4]
How it is assessed
Assessment combines your history, examination, laboratory tests and imaging review. CT or MRI helps describe the mass and nearby structures; kidney function is also assessed. Further tests may be needed to check for spread. A biopsy is considered when its result could help guide decisions; it is not required before every operation. [1] · [5]
Care options
Surgery may remove the tumour while preserving part of the kidney—partial nephrectomy—or remove the affected kidney. In selected situations, options include active surveillance with scheduled checks or ablation to destroy the tumour. The choice depends on the tumour and the person’s health. [1] · [6]
For advanced disease, care may include medicines such as immunotherapy or targeted therapy, together with symptom relief. Your team explains the goals, expected benefits and risks of each option. [7]
Preparing for your visit and follow-up
Bring reports and original scan images if available, recent laboratory results, any biopsy results and a medication list. Note any history of kidney disease or cancer in your family. After treatment, follow-up checks kidney function and looks for possible recurrence. [8]
Questions to discuss:
- What do we know about the mass, and what remains uncertain?
- Could part of the kidney be preserved, and what might change that decision?
- What are the benefits and limitations of the alternatives for me?
- How will we review the results and arrange follow-up?
Seek urgent care if you cannot pass urine or have heavy bleeding, especially with clots. [9] · [10]