Types of Cancer » Kidney Cancer

kidney cancer (KID-nee KAN-ser) Cancer that forms in tissues of the kidneys. Kidney cancer includes renal cell carcinoma (cancer that forms in the lining of very small tubes in the kidney that filter the blood and remove waste products) and renal pelvis carcinoma (cancer that forms in the center of the kidney where urine collects). It also includes Wilms’ tumor, which is a type of kidney cancer that usually develops in children under the age of 5.

kidney (KID-nee) One of a pair of organs in the abdomen. Kidneys remove waste from the blood (as urine), produce erythropoietin (a substance that stimulates red blood cell production), and play a role in blood pressure regulation.

kidney failure (KID-nee FAYL-yer) A condition in which the kidneys stop working and are not able to remove waste and extra water from the blood or keep body chemicals in balance. Acute kidney failure happens suddenly (for example, after an injury) and may be treated and cured. Chronic kidney failure develops over years (related to high blood pressure or diabetes, for example) and cannot be cured. Chronic kidney failure may lead to total and permanent kidney failure, called end-stage renal disease (ESRD), and requires dialysis (process of cleaning the blood by passing it through a membrane or filter) or a kidney transplant.

stage I kidney cancer The tumor is 7 centimeters or smaller and is found in the kidney only. Also called stage I renal cell cancer.

stage II kidney cancer The tumor is larger than 7 centimeters and is found in the kidney only. Also called stage II renal cell cancer.

stage III kidney cancer Cancer is found in either (1) the kidney and in 1 nearby lymph node; or (2) an adrenal gland or in the layer of fatty tissue around the kidney, and may be found in 1 nearby lymph node; or (3) the main blood vessels of the kidney and may be found in 1 nearby lymph node. Also called stage III renal cell cancer.

stage IV kidney cancer Cancer has spread (1) beyond the layer of fatty tissue around the kidney and may be found in 1 nearby lymph node; or (2) to 2 or more nearby lymph nodes; or (3) to other organs, such as the bowel, pancreas, or lungs, and may be found in nearby lymph nodes. Also called stage IV renal cell cancer.