CaRi-heart technology
Revolutionary new technology to assess the risk of a serious heart condition or heart attack – many years before anything happens.
Kidney cancer
Kidney cancer starts in the kidneys, which are part of your body’s urinary system. If you are diagnosed with kidney cancer you will have immediate access to our world-leading consultants and state-of-the-art hospitals
About kidney cancer
There are two main types of kidney cancer. The most common are renal cell cancers (RCC) and the second most common type are transitional cell cancers (TCC). Kidney cancer usually only affects one kidney, but rarely it can affect both kidneys. Kidney cancer is more common in men than women, and the risk of developing it increases with age.
Types of kidney cancer
Renal cell cancer
The most common type of kidney cancer is known as renal cell adenocarcinoma or hypernephroma. There are different types of renal cell adenocarcinoma. The most common type is clear cell renal cancer.
Transitional cell cancer of the kidney or ureter
This starts in cells called transitional cells of the renal pelvis. This is the part of the kidney where urine collects before it goes down to the ureter to the bladder. This cancer is rare.
Wilms’ tumour
Also known as nephroblastoma, this is a type of kidney cancer that mostly affects children. It is most common in children under five but sometimes can appear in older children and adults.
Need to know
Small kidney cancers don’t always have symptoms. They are often diagnosed by chance while undergoing tests or scans for unrelated medical reasons. But there are some things you can look out for:
- A continuously high temperature
- Unexplained weight loss
- Increased sweating during the night
- Tiredness
- A subdued pain in your side
- Spasms in the bladder or uterus. These are painful and are a result of blood clots
- Blood in the urine. This may be a sporadic, happening often or from time to time. It may not be visible to the eye and only detected by a urine test
- A lump around the kidney area
Your consultant will talk you through your diagnosis and treatment options in detail, helping you to make an informed decision about your care. Treatments offered include:
- Surgery – we offer the latest open and minimally invasive surgical techniques
- Tumour ablation
- Embolisation
- Targeted (biological) therapies
At HCA UK you will be looked after by a multidisciplinary team, including expert consultants, Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs) and supportive therapists including psychologists who can help you with your emotional wellbeing.
Our Kidney cancer locations
The Christie Private Care
Wilmslow Road M20 4BX Manchester
Leaders in Oncology Care
95-97 Harley Street W1G 6AF London
LOC at Chelsea
102 Sydney Street SW3 6NJ London
LOC at The Harley Street Clinic
81-83 Harley Street W1G 8PP London
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.