Kidney Cancer

There are many different types of kidney cancer, including:

• renal cell carcinoma (RCC) – the most common form

• urothelial carcinoma – a cancer that begins in the urinary tract, and is sometimes found in the kidney

• Wilms tumour – a rare kidney cancer that mainly affects children

• sarcoma – a rare cancer that starts in the connective or soft tissues of the kidney, such as fat, muscle, or blood vessels

• transitional cell carcinomas – a rare cancer that starts in the lining of the kidneys, renal pelvis or ureter, which is the tube connecting the kidney to the bladder

Kidney cancer doesn’t always cause symptoms, especially in its early stages. But as the tumour grows, symptoms can begin to develop, which may include:

• blood in your pee, which may look pink or red

• high blood pressure

• high calcium levels in the blood

• anaemia (low red blood cell count)

• a lump or swelling in your back, under your ribs, or in your neck

• pain between your ribs and waist that doesn’t go away

• loss of appetite, or losing weight without trying to

• feeling tired or having no energy

• a high temperature that doesn’t go away

• sweating a lot, including at night

The exact cause of kidney cancer isn’t fully understood, but you’re more likely to develop it if you:

• smoke

• are obese or overweight

• have high blood pressure

• have had radiation therapy, especially women who’ve been treated with radiation for cancer of their reproductive organs

• have a family history of kidney cancer

• have received long-term dialysis treatment for chronic kidney disease

• have certain genetic conditions, such as von Hippel-Lindau disease and tuberous sclerosis

If kidney cancer is suspected, you’ll need a physical examination to check for any lumps or abnormal areas. A doctor or specialist may also suggest:

• imaging tests – such as an ultrasound scan to detect tumours, or a CT or MRI scan to get detailed images of the kidney and surrounding tissues

• a cystoscopy – when a camera is passed through the tube that carries pee out of your body, to look inside your bladder

• a biopsy – where a small sample of tissue from the kidney is taken to see if cancer cells are present

The exact cause of kidney cancer is unknown, so there isn’t a way to prevent it altogether. But you may be able to reduce your risk by not smoking and managing any conditions you have, like high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity.

Kidney cancer is broken into 4 stages of severity, depending on where the cancer is found. These include:

• stage 1 – cancer is found in the kidney only

• stage 2 – the tumour is larger, but still found in the kidney only

• stage 3 – cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes or veins

• stage 4 – cancer has spread to local or distant organs, such as the adrenals, lungs or bones, which can cause adrenal insufficiency, shortness of breath or bone pain, if left untreated

Being diagnosed with kidney cancer can come as a big shock and make you feel worried. Our specialist care team will be there to support you at every step and will put together a unique treatment plan.

Treatment options for kidney cancer can vary depending on the type, size, and location of the cancer, and may include:

• surgery

• cryotherapy

• radiofrequency ablation

• targeted medicines

• radiotherapy

• chemotherapy

At Welbeck, our urologists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.  

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.

Get in touch today to book an appointment.