Cancers We Treat
Kidney Cancer
Learn more about kidney cancer, including the various types, symptoms, causes, risk factors and treatment options at Baptist Cancer Center.
Cancers We Treat
Learn more about kidney cancer, including the various types, symptoms, causes, risk factors and treatment options at Baptist Cancer Center.
Germ cells develop in the embryo and become reproductive cells in males and females. Germ cell tumors typically form inside the reproductive cells. They can be cancerous or non-cancerous. Germ cell tumors account for two to four percent of cancers in children and young adults under the age of 20.
Treatment options for kidney cancer depend on the type of cancer, as well as the patient's medical history and overall health.
Surgery is often recommended as the initial treatment option for kidney cancer. Surgical treatment may include removal of the tumor or partial or complete removal of the kidney.
Other recommended treatment options often include radiation therapy and/or targeted drug therapy.
The most common type of kidney cancer is called renal cell cancer (RCC). It accounts for approximately 90 percent of cases of kidney cancer. There are several subtypes of renal cell cancer, which are classified based on the microscopic appearance of the cancer cells. The most common types of renal cell cancers are:
Recognizing the signs of kidney cancer allows for timely intervention, potentially increasing the chances of successful treatment and improving your quality of life.
The exact cause remains unknown at this time, however certain genetic and environmental risk factors may play a role in the development of kidney cancer. These risk factors include:
The symptoms of kidney cancer may vary depending on the type and stage of the tumor. Symptoms typically don't appear until the cancer has reached a later stage. The most common symptoms associated with kidney cancer include:
If symptoms indicate a possible diagnosis of kidney cancer, your doctor will order diagnostic tests which may include urine or blood tests, imaging tests and/or a biopsy of the kidneys.
Related Information
As a patient at Baptist Cancer Center, you will have access to a dedicated patient navigator who will act as your advocate and liaison between you and your health care teams. Our patient navigators are available at every step to schedule appointments, answer questions, explain the treatment process, and provide resources, education and support when you and your family need it.