What it is
Treatment depends on the size and spread and may include surgery to remove part or all of the kidney, ablation, active monitoring of small tumours, or medicines such as targeted therapy and immunotherapy.
People can live normally with one healthy kidney.
Common signs
- Blood in the pee
- A lump or swelling in the side
- Pain in the side or lower back that does not go away
- Weight loss
- Tiredness
How it is usually diagnosed
- Urine and blood tests
- Ultrasound and CT scans
- Biopsy, sometimes
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- Scan reports
- Histology reports
- Kidney function results
- Urology and oncology letters
Questions to ask your doctor
- What stage is the cancer?
- Can part of the kidney be saved?
- How will my remaining kidney function be checked?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- Heavy blood in the pee with clots or being unable to pee: get urgent medical help
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.