Renal cell carcinoma
Definition
Renal cell carcinoma is a type of kidney cancer in which the cancerous cells are found in the lining of very small tubes (tubules) in the kidney.
Alternative Names
Renal cancer; Kidney cancer; Hypernephroma; Adenocarcinoma of renal cells; Cancer - kidneyCauses
Renal cell carcinoma is the most common type of kidney cancer in adults. It occurs most often in people 50 - 70 years old, and typically affects men.
The exact cause is unknown.
Risk factors include:
- Dialysis treatment
- Family history of the disease
- Genetics
- Smoking
- Von Hippel-Lindau disease (a hereditary disease that affects the capillaries of the brain)
References
US Food and Drug Administration. FDA Approves New Treatment for Advanced Kidney Cancer. Rockville, MD: National Press Office; December 20, 2005. Press Release P05-107.
National Comprehensive Cancer Network. NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology, Kidney Cancer, v.1.2008. 2007.
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