Are renal cell carcinoma and kidney cancer the same thing?

Written by Li Yuan Wei
Urology
Updated on May 05, 2025
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Kidney cancer is one of the types included in the simplified classification of renal tumors. Generally, kidney cancer includes renal cell carcinoma, renal adenoma, adrenal adenoma, and papillary cystadenocarcinoma, which are commonly encompassed within the scope of kidney cancer. Simply put, kidney cancer is a category in clinical diagnostic examinations. Renal cell carcinoma belongs to the pathological classification of renal tumors, and typically includes conventional types of renal cell carcinoma, such as the commonly mentioned clear cell carcinoma, which is the most common type. Additionally, chromophobe renal cell carcinoma and collecting duct carcinoma are also types of renal cell carcinoma.

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Causes of Renal Cancer

The cause of kidney cancer is unknown, but possible factors include: First, smoking, which is a relative risk factor for kidney cancer. Second, obesity and hypertension. Third, occupation, with reports indicating that long-term exposure to metallic lead, print industry workers, coke workers, and workers shows increased risks of incidence and mortality from kidney cancer. Fourth, radiation, where long-term exposure to certain sources of radiation may increase the risk of kidney cancer. Fifth, there is a certain relation to genetics. Sixth, dietary factors, as studies have found that high intake of dairy products, animal protein, and fat, and low intake of fruits and vegetables, are also risk factors for kidney cancer.

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kidney cancer immunotherapy drugs

The immunotherapy for kidney cancer often involves the use of interferons or interleukins, and the results are generally satisfactory. The effects of radiotherapy and chemotherapy for kidney cancer are not very certain. Typically, after kidney cancer is diagnosed, radical nephrectomy is performed. During the surgery, adequate exposure is essential. The renal hilum should be ligated first to prevent cancer cells from being squeezed into the bloodstream during surgery. It is also necessary to remove the fascia and fat around the kidney, along with the lymph nodes at the renal hilum. Combining these surgical measures with immunotherapy usually yields very ideal results.

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Clinical manifestations of renal cancer

The clinical manifestations and staging of kidney cancer are related to the most common early-stage kidney cancer, late-stage kidney cancer, or metastatic kidney cancer. Generally, early-stage kidney cancer exhibits few clinical symptoms and is often detected during physical examinations, through ultrasonography of the urinary tract, or kidney ultrasonography, where tumors are the most commonly found. Additionally, later stages of kidney cancer often present as swelling pain in the waist area or occasional hematuria. More serious conditions involve feeling a mass in the upper abdomen upon palpation, which is a clinical manifestation. Nowadays, with heightened awareness for health checks, such conditions are generally discovered through these examinations. When major clinical manifestations like hematuria and abdominal masses occur, it indicates that the kidney tumor has already progressed to the mid or late stages.

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Does kidney cancer affect the renal calyx?

Kidney cancer lesions can sometimes affect the renal calyces. This is because kidney cancer is a malignant disease characterized by invasion and metastasis. When the lesions from kidney cancer invade the surrounding renal tissues, this can impact the function of the renal calyces. Some patients may experience toxic side effects from chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and other related antitumor treatments for kidney cancer, which can also affect the renal calyces. In summary, the lesions from kidney cancer and related antitumor treatments can potentially affect and even lead to clinical manifestations of kidney damage, including complications such as hydronephrosis. Once the kidney cancer lesions affect the renal calyces, this can result in sequelae such as renal failure.

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Can kidney cancer be cured?

Kidney cancer, if detected early and treated effectively, can potentially have favorable outcomes. However, early-stage kidney cancer often lacks distinct symptoms, leading to misdiagnosis. Symptoms such as hematuria, pain, and palpable masses typically indicate an advanced stage. Therefore, any of these symptoms should be taken seriously. Urine cytology, blood biochemical tests, and ultrasound are quite sensitive for the detection of renal tumors. X-ray images may show a prominent localized contour of the kidney with speckled or incomplete shell-like calcifications. Excretory or retrograde pyelography can reveal compression of the renal pelvis and calyces, showing irregular deformations and possibly filling defects. If necessary, isotope scanning, percutaneous renal biopsy, or fine needle aspiration cytology may be conducted.