Kidney Cancer
Kidney cancer is a malignant (cancerous) tumor that starts from kidney cells. Renal cell cancer is the most common type of tumor in the kidney, accounting for more than 90% of cases.
Common symptoms of kidney cancer include: blood in the urine, causing it to discolor; constant pain in your side; an abdominal lump or mass; weight loss; fever; and fatigue. Other health problems may also cause the same symptoms, but anyone experiencing them should see a physician.
A CT scan is one of the most useful tests for diagnosing kidney cancer. Other tests may include lab tests, PET scan, CT scan, ultrasound, and MRI. A fine needle aspiration, where a thin needle is used to remove fluid or tissue samples of the kidney, may be performed if other tests are not conclusive. The sample is then studied under a microscope.
Surgery is the main treatment for renal cell cancer. In cases where the patient isn’t healthy enough to undergo surgery, radiation therapy or arterial embolization may be the best choices for treatment. Patients may also go through chemotherapy and biotherapy.
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Kidney Cancer Association

Organization made up of patients, family members, physicians, researchers, and other health professionals; provides information on kidney cancer diagnosis, statistics, treatment, clinical trials, public policy, and advocacy.
MedlinePlus
Developed by government agencies and other health organizations, this site contains information about drugs, an illustrated medical encyclopedia, lots of interactive patient tutorials, and the latest health news. Also features a "guide to healthy web surfing."
National Cancer Institute – Kidney Cancer Information
Government resource for clinical trials, tips on prevention, helpful tools for screening and testing, plus up-to-date statistics and research.
National Cancer Institute – Detailed Online Booklet

A detailed online booklet listing possible causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and coping techniques for kidney cancer.
MayoClinic.com
Not-for-profit hospital offers an introduction for those newly diagnosed with cancer; includes step-by-step information about signs and symptoms, causes, risk factors, and screening techniques.
American Cancer Society — Detailed Information Guide
Volunteer health organization provides this detailed information guide for those newly diagnosed with cancer; includes categories of cancer types, treatment options, and detection methods.
American Cancer Society — Kidney Cancer General Overview
General information resource about many aspects of kidney cancer.




