According to NorthShore University Health System, there will be more than 36,000 new cases of kidney cancer this year. Kidney cancer includes various forms such as clear cell, papillary, sarcomatoid and transitional cell.

There are different causes of kidney cancer. It is sometimes linked to the hereditary disease Von Hippel-Landau (VHL). Those suffering from VHL have a very high risk of developing kidney cancer. There are also external factors including obesity, smoking, high blood pressure, exposure to asbestos and cadmium and living a sedentary lifestyle.

Symptoms of kidney cancer vary, but usually are in the form of back pain on one side, a mass in the belly, blood in the urine, extended fever, tiredness, weight loss and swelling of the ankles and legs. If your doctor suspects a tumor, they will refer you to further testing.

Treatment of kidney cancer involves surgery, as well as sometimes a systemic treatment, a treatment that is injected into the bloodstream or swallowed.
For more information on kidney cancer, visit NorthShore University HealthSystem’s cancer department.