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What Is a Renal Tumor?

A renal tumor, also known as renal cell carcinoma (RCC), renal cell cancer and renal cell adenocarcinoma, is a cancerous disease of the kidneys. According to cancer.org, it accounts for about nine out of 10 kidney cancers.

  1. Description

    • Renal tumors can be as small as 3 cm, or very large and consume the kidney. Other tumors form little finger-like projections, called papillae.

    Types

    • There are many types of renal tumors; however, renal cell carcinoma is the most common type in adults. It occurs most often in men ages 50 to 70.

    Causes

    • The causes of renal tumors (kidney cancer) are unknown.

    Symptoms

    • Symptoms may include back pain; swelling in the feet, hands or face; feeling sick to your stomach; feeling tired or dizzy often; high blood pressure without cause; bloody or dark-colored urine; and a change in how often your urinate. According to the American Kidney Fund, most kidney problems have no symptoms until they are too far along.

    Risk Factors

    • Although anyone can develop kidney problems, a person is at higher risk if he is African-American, Hispanic, Native American, or Asian. Other risk factors include diabetes, obesity, tobacco, high blood pressure, hereditary or over the age of 60.

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