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.

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)

• Abdominal pain
• Abnormal urine color (dark, rusty, or brown)
• Back pain
• Blood in the urine
• Emaciated, thin, malnourished appearance
• Enlargement of one testicle
• Flank pain
• Swelling or enlargement of the abdomen
• Unintentional weight loss of more than 5% of body weight

• Constipation
• Cold intolerance
• Excessive hair growth in females
• Paleness
• Vision abnormalities

Sometimes both kidneys are involved. The cancer spreads easily, most often to the lungs and other organs. About one-third of patients have spreading (metastasis) at the time of diagnosis.

Palpation of the abdomen may show a mass or organ enlargement, particularly of the kidney or liver. Men may have a varicocele in the testicles.

Tests include:

• Complete blood count (CBC)
• IVP
• Kidney x-ray
• Liver function tests
• Renal arteriography
• Serum calcium
• SGPT and alkaline phosphatase
• Ultrasound of the abdomen and kidney
• Urine cytology
• Urine test

The following tests may be performed to see if the cancer has spread:

• Abdominal CT scan
• Abdominal MRI
• Bone scan
• Chest x-ray