What tissues does kidney cancer affect?

The tissues affected by kidney cancer depend on the type of kidney cancer. The two main types of kidney cancer are renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and transitional cell carcinoma (TCC).

1. Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC):

- RCC begins in the cells lining the small tubes (tubules) in the kidney that filter waste products from the blood to produce urine.

- RCC can arise from the lining of the proximal tubule, distal tubule, collecting ducts, or the loop of Henle.

2. Transitional Cell Carcinoma (TCC):

- Also known as urothelial carcinoma, TCC starts in the cells that line the renal pelvis - the funnel-shaped structure that collects urine from the kidney and delivers it to the bladder through the ureter.

- TCC can occur anywhere in the urinary tract, including the renal pelvis, ureters, bladder, and urethra.

These are the primary tissues affected by kidney cancer, but in advanced cases, the cancer can spread to nearby organs and tissues or to distant sites through the bloodstream or lymphatic system.