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
Smoking, obesity, hypertension, family history, chronic kidney disease, and certain genetic conditions increase the risk.
Kidney cancer is often asymptomatic in the early stages but common symptoms can include haematuria, flank pain, and a palpable mass. Non-specific symptoms may include fatigue, weight loss, fever, and anaemia.
Surgery is the most common treatment for kidney cancer. It may involve removing the tumor (partial nephrectomy) or the entire kidney (radical nephrectomy).
Our Kidney cancer locations
Leaders in Oncology Care
95-97 Harley Street W1G 6AF London
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
Private Care at Guy's
Great Maze Pond SE1 9RT London
Sarah Cannon Research Institute
93 Harley Street W1G 6AD London
The Christie Private Care
Wilmslow Road M20 4BX Manchester
The Harborne Hospital
Mindelsohn Way B15 2TQ Birmingham
The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
The Wellington Hospital
8A Wellington Place St John's Wood NW8 9LE London
Patient stories
"Seeking a second opinion saved my life"
When Ruth was told that the treatment she was undergoing for kidney cancer was having a reduced effect and that the tumour in her kidney was inoperable, she decided to seek a second opinion to see if any other treatment options could be explored.
"Truly remarkable" kidney surgery: Jeff’s story
After seeing his GP for a routine check-up, and being referred for further tests, Jeff was stunned to discover that he in fact had been living with kidney cancer for several years.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.