Kidney cancer

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 Maggie's can help.

What is kidney cancer?

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.

Types of kidney cancer

There are several different types of kidney cancer, including:

• renal cell cancer (RCC), renal cell carcinoma or adenocarcinoma
• transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) or urothelial carcinoma
• Wilms tumour
• sarcoma of the kidney
• renal lymphoma

Causes of kidney cancer

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:

• family history of kidney cancer
• kidney disease
• thyroid cancer
• long-term use of mild painkillers
• gender - men are twice as likely to develop kidney cancer than women

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.

Signs and symptoms of kidney cancer

Kidney cancer usually has no early signs. When it does cause symptoms, these may include:

• blood in the urine
• a lump around the kidneys
• pain between the ribcage and the hip
• lower back pain
• fatigue 
• weight loss 
• loss of appetite 
• night sweats 
• high blood pressure

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.

Getting diagnosed with kidney cancer

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.

What happens in your GP appointment

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:

• examine you by feeling your tummy (abdomen)
• check for any lumps or pain in the lower back
• arrange blood and urine tests
• ask to see you again
• arrange for you to see a specialist at the hospital

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.

Testing for kidney cancer

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:

• an ultrasound scan of your tummy (abdomen)
• a cystoscopy, where a camera is used to look inside your bladder
• a CT scan or an MRI scan
• a biopsy, where a tiny sample of your kidney is removed and tested

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 how Maggie's can help.

Understanding a kidney cancer diagnosis

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 Maggie's to talk to us, or find out more about understanding a cancer diagnosis.

Treatment for kidney cancer

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:

• active surveillance or 'watch and wait'
• surgery
• arterial embolisation
• cryotherapy
• radiofrequency ablation (RFA)
• chemotherapy
• targeted therapies or biological therapies
• radiotherapy
• clinical trials

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 Maggie's can support you.

Managing the effects of kidney cancer and treatment

A kidney cancer diagnosis can affect your life in many ways. You may be dealing with:

• symptoms and side effects of kidney cancer and treatment
• changes to your day-to-day life
• worries about money
• a range of feelings and emotions

Contact or visit your nearest Maggie's centre and together we will find the right support for you.

You can also explore our cancer support pages for more information.

After treatment for kidney cancer

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.

How Maggie's can help

We offer free expert psychological and practical support tailored to you, whatever stage you're at, and for friends and family too.

• Find your nearest centre, leave your details and we’ll give you a call
• Just come in – you don't need an appointment

Last review: Nov 2024 | Next review: Nov 2027