Renal Cell Carcinoma
Most common kidney cancer in adults treated with surgery, ablation, immunotherapy, and targeted agents.
This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Onkoloji department. Book Appointment →
What is Renal Cell Carcinoma?
Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) accounts for 90% of kidney malignancies in adults. Histologic subtypes include clear cell (75%, often VHL-related), papillary (10-15%, type 1 and type 2), chromophobe (5%), and rarer collecting duct, medullary, translocation, MiT family, and unclassified RCC. Hereditary syndromes include von Hippel-Lindau, hereditary papillary, Birt-Hogg-Dube, hereditary leiomyomatosis and RCC (HLRCC), and tuberous sclerosis.
Most cases are diagnosed incidentally on cross-sectional imaging. The classic triad of flank pain, hematuria, and palpable mass is uncommon. Paraneoplastic syndromes include hypercalcemia, polycythemia, hypertension, and Stauffer syndrome (hepatic dysfunction without metastases). Staging uses AJCC TNM with IMDC risk stratification (favorable, intermediate, poor) for metastatic disease guiding therapy.
Localized RCC is managed with partial nephrectomy when feasible (preserves kidney function), radical nephrectomy for larger or central tumors, or ablation (radiofrequency, cryoablation) for small tumors in surgically unfit patients. Surveillance for very small lesions is appropriate. Metastatic RCC treatment has evolved: combination immune checkpoint inhibitors plus tyrosine kinase inhibitors are first-line (pembrolizumab + axitinib, nivolumab + cabozantinib, pembrolizumab + lenvatinib, ipilimumab + nivolumab) with subsequent lines including cabozantinib, lenvatinib + everolimus, tivozanib, and clinical trials.
Symptoms
Risk Factors
When to See a Doctor?
If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:
- Visible blood in urine
- Persistent flank or abdominal pain
- Unexplained weight loss
- Sudden left-sided varicocele
- Persistent fatigue with anemia
- New-onset polycythemia or hypercalcemia
- Lower extremity swelling
- Family history with screening recommendation
Treatment Methods
Which Department to Visit?
You can visit our Onkoloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.
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You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.
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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.