Kidney Cancer

About

The kidneys are two lima bean-shaped organs, each about the size of a fist, located on either side of the lower back. Kidneys filter blood of impurities, help control blood pressure, and regulate red blood cell production.

More than 50,000 people are diagnosed with kidney cancer each year, according to American Cancer Society estimates.

The cause of kidney cancer is unknown. Researchers at Mayo Clinic are directing several studies to identify kidney cancer risks and causes.

What to expect

At Mayo Clinic, kidney cancer patients consult with their physician to determine the most appropriate options for treatment, which often involves surgery. Your doctor will encourage you to ask the questions needed for you to make informed decisions about cancer treatment. The size and developmental stage of the cancer, personal circumstances and specific medical needs should guide your treatment decision.

Early tumor detection typically leads to better treatment response and is associated with improved long term survival rates. Nationwide, patients whose cancer is detected before it has spread beyond the kidney have a five-year survival rate of about 60 to 75 percent following treatment, although individual results vary.

Read more about kidney cancer at www.MayoClinic.com.