Is kidney cancer contagious?

Written by Zhou Qi
Nephrology
Updated on June 06, 2025
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Kidney cancer is not contagious; most kidney cancers originate from malignant tumors caused by renal tubular epithelial cells. The clinical symptoms of this type of kidney cancer mainly include hematuria and abdominal masses, which may also affect kidney function. Kidney cancer is mostly not associated with any pathogens, such as bacteria or viruses, hence there are no infectious causes for kidney cancer. Currently, the medical community does not have a clear understanding of the causes, which may be related to unhealthy lifestyle habits such as smoking, as well as genetic factors, obesity, hypertension, heavy metal poisoning, and other reasons. Since there are no pathogens involved, there is no contagion.

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Is nephroblastoma a type of kidney cancer?

From a broad perspective, nephroblastoma belongs to kidney cancer, but its characteristics are still different. Nephroblastoma, also known as Wilms' tumor or embryonal tumor of the kidney, is the most common malignant kidney tumor in children, generally 80% of cases occur before the age of five, with an average age of about 3.5 years. The main manifestation is an abdominal mass, most often incidentally discovered by parents or doctors. Diagnosis is generally made through renal ultrasound as an initial screening, while renal CT and MRI can clearly show the extent of the tumor and the surrounding lymph nodes and organs, and whether renal blood vessels are involved. Chest X-rays or CT scans can determine if there are any lung metastases.

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What to do if kidney cancer recurs?

Generally, if kidney cancer is detected early and treated effectively, the prognosis is usually very favorable. However, if it reaches a late stage, even with effective surgery and the correct comprehensive treatment plan, recurrence is more likely. At this time, it is generally recommended to adhere to the treatment plan prescribed by the hospital. Additionally, the concept of extending life with the disease is recommended here, suggesting that patients consume a large amount of meat, especially fish, to supplement the protein needed to offset the physical toll of cancer. Do not fear obesity; eat more fish. Of course, it is also important to ensure a balanced intake of comprehensive nutrients, including plenty of fruits and vegetables.

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What tests are done to diagnose kidney cancer?

The typical clinical manifestations of renal cancer are hematuria, a mass, and flank pain, but these symptoms generally appear only in the middle and late stages. CT scans often play a decisive role in the diagnosis of renal cancer. Ultrasound examinations are mainly used to screen for the presence of tumors in the entire urinary system, while excretory urography can reveal compression inside the renal pelvis by the tumor, which may show irregular deformations, narrowing, or elongation. Generally speaking, CT scans are quite important for the diagnosis of renal cancer and also play a decisive role.

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What is good to eat for kidney cancer?

What is good to eat for kidney cancer, the diet of kidney cancer patients should pay attention to ensuring balanced nutrition intake, you can eat more fruits and vegetables, such as spinach, rape, apples, pears, persimmons, cherries and other common fruits, as well as oranges and tangerines are all fine. It is important to avoid eating fried foods, barbecues, quit smoking, stop drinking, do not eat seafood, do not eat overnight meals, avoid smoky environments, and the cooking of food should focus on being finely made and soft. You can try to minimize cooking steps such as frying and grilling, and primarily use slow stewing and steaming.

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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.