National Cancer Institute

What You Need 

To Know About TM

Kidney

Cancer

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF 

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

National Institutes of Health
National Cancer Institute Services

This is only one of many free booklets for

people with cancer.

You may want more information for yourself,

your family, and your doctor.

NCI offers comprehensive research-based

information for patients and their families, health

professionals, cancer researchers, advocates, and

the public.

• Call NCI’s Cancer Information Service at 

1–800–4–CANCER (1–800–422–6237)

• Visit us at http://www.cancer.gov or

http://www.cancer.gov/espanol

• Chat using LiveHelp, NCI’s instant 

messaging service, at http://www.cancer.gov/

livehelp

• E-mail us at cancergovstaff@mail.nih.gov

• Order publications at http://www.cancer.gov/

publications or by calling 1–800–4–CANCER

• Get help with quitting smoking at

1–877–44U–QUIT (1–877–448–7848)
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

National Institutes of Health

National Cancer Institute

Contents

About This Booklet 1

The Kidneys 3

Cancer Cells 5

Risk Factors 6

Symptoms 9

Diagnosis 9

Staging 11

Treatment 12

Second Opinion 19

Nutrition 20

Follow-up Care 21

Sources of Support 21

Taking Part in Cancer Research 23

Dictionary 24

National Cancer Institute Publications 32
About This Booklet

This National Cancer Institute (NCI) booklet is

about cancer* that starts in the kidney. Other names for

this disease are renal cancer and renal cell carcinoma.

About 54,000 Americans are diagnosed with renal

cell carcinoma each year. Most are over 55 years old.

1

*Words in italics are in the Dictionary on page 24. The Dictionary

explains these terms. It also shows how to pronounce them.

This booklet is only about renal cell

carcinoma. It’s not about transitional cell cancer

(TCC) of the kidney. People with TCC of the

kidney have different treatment options than those

with renal cell carcinoma. For the latest

information about TCC, visit NCI’s Web site at

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/

transitionalcell or contact NCI’s Cancer

Information Service at 1–800–4–CANCER

(1–800–422–6237). About 4,000 Americans are

diagnosed with TCC of the kidney each year. 

Also, this booklet is not about childhood

kidney cancer. Treatment options are different for

children. For the latest information about

childhood kidney cancer, visit NCI’s Web site at

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/

wilms or contact NCI’s Cancer Information

Service. Hundreds of children are diagnosed with

kidney cancer each year in the United States.
Learning about medical care for kidney cancer can

help you take an active part in making choices about

your care. This booklet tells about:

• Diagnosis and staging

• Treatment and follow-up care

• Taking part in research studies

This booklet has lists of questions that you may

want to ask your doctor. Many people find it helpful to

take a list of questions to a doctor visit. To help

remember what your doctor says, you can take notes.

You may also want to have a family member or friend

go with you when you talk with the doctor—to take

notes, ask questions, or just listen.

For the latest information about kidney cancer,

visit NCI’s Web site at http://www.cancer.gov/

cancertopics/types/kidney.

Also, NCI’s Cancer Information Service can

answer your questions about cancer. We can also

send you NCI booklets and fact sheets. Call

1–800–4–CANCER (1–800–422–6237). Or chat

using LiveHelp, NCI’s instant messaging service, at

http://www.cancer.gov/livehelp.

2
3

The Kidneys

Your kidneys are a pair of organs in your abdomen.

Each kidney is about the size of a fist.

Your kidneys are part of the urinary tract. They

make urine by removing wastes and extra water from

your blood.

Urine collects in a hollow space (renal pelvis) in the

middle of each kidney. Urine passes from your renal

pelvis into your bladder through a long tube called a

ureter. Urine leaves your bladder through a shorter tube

(the urethra).

This picture shows the kidneys and nearby tissues in a

man.

Kidney

Urethra

Ureter

Renal vein

Renal artery

Renal

pelvis

Adrenal

gland

Bladder
4

Your kidneys also make substances to help control

blood pressure and to make red blood cells.

Attached to the top of each kidney is an adrenal

gland. A layer of fatty tissue and an outer layer of

fibrous tissue surround the kidney and adrenal gland.

Kidney

Urethra

Ureter

Renal vein

Renal artery

Renal

pelvis

Adrenal

gland

Bladder

This picture shows the kidneys and nearby tissues in a

woman.
5

This picture shows the kidney and adrenal gland.

Kidney

Fibrous tissue

Adrenal gland

Fat layer

Ureter

Renal pelvis

Cancer Cells

Cancer begins in cells, the building blocks that make

up tissues. Tissues make up the kidneys and the other

organs of the body.

Normal cells grow and divide to form new cells as

the body needs them. When normal cells grow old or

get damaged, they die, and new cells take their place.

Sometimes, this process goes wrong. New cells form

when the body doesn’t need them, and old or damaged

cells don’t die as they should. The buildup of extra cells

often forms a mass of tissue called a growth or tumor.
Tumors in the kidney can be benign (not cancer) or

malignant (cancer). Benign tumors are not as harmful

as malignant tumors:

• Benign tumors (such as cysts): 

—are usually not a threat to life

—can be treated or removed and usually don’t grow

back

—don’t invade the tissues around them

—don’t spread to other parts of the body

• Malignant growths: 

—may be a threat to life

—usually can be removed but can grow back

—can invade and damage nearby tissues and organs

—can spread to other parts of the body

Kidney cancer cells can spread by breaking away

from the kidney tumor. They can travel through lymph

vessels to nearby lymph nodes. They can also spread

through blood vessels to the lungs, bones, or liver.

After spreading, kidney cancer cells may attach to

other tissues and grow to form new tumors that may

damage those tissues. See the Staging section on page

11 for information about kidney cancer that has spread.

Risk Factors

When you get a diagnosis of kidney cancer, it’s

natural to wonder what may have caused the disease.

Doctors usually can’t explain why one person gets

kidney cancer and another doesn’t.

6
However, we do know that people with certain risk

factors may be more likely than others to develop

kidney cancer. A risk factor is something that may

increase the chance of getting a disease.

Studies have found the following risk factors for

kidney cancer:

• Smoking: Smoking tobacco is an important risk

factor for kidney cancer. People who smoke have a

higher risk than nonsmokers. The risk is higher for

those who smoke more cigarettes or for a long time.

• Obesity: Being obese increases the risk of kidney

cancer.

• High blood pressure: Having high blood pressure

may increase the risk of kidney cancer.

• Family history of kidney cancer: People with a

family member who had kidney cancer have a

slightly increased risk of the disease. Also, certain

conditions that run in families can increase the risk

of kidney cancer.

—Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) syndrome: VHL is a

rare disease that runs in some families. It’s caused

by changes in the VHL gene. People with a

changed VHL gene have an increased risk of

kidney cancer. They may also have cysts or

tumors in the eyes, brain, or other parts of the

body. Family members of those with VHL can

have a test to check for a changed VHL gene.

Many people who get kidney cancer have none of

these risk factors, and many people who have known

risk factors don’t develop the disease.

7
8

How to Quit Tobacco

Quitting is important for anyone who uses

tobacco. Quitting at any time is beneficial to your

health.

For people who already have kidney cancer,

quitting may reduce the chance of getting another

type of cancer (such as lung, esophagus, or oral

cancer), lung disease, or heart disease. Quitting

may also help cancer treatments work better.

There are many ways to get help:

• Ask your doctor about medicine or nicotine

replacement therapy. Your doctor can suggest a

number of treatments that help people quit.

• Ask your doctor or dentist to help you find

local programs or trained professionals who

help people stop using tobacco.

• Call NCI’s Smoking Quitline at

1–877–44U–QUIT (1–877–448–7848) or

instant message us through LiveHelp

(http://www.cancer.gov/livehelp). We can tell

you about:

—Ways to quit smoking

—Groups that help smokers who want to quit

—NCI publications about quitting smoking

—How to take part in a study of methods to

help smokers quit

• Go online to Smokefree.gov (http://www.

smokefree.gov), a Federal Government Web

site. It offers a guide to quitting smoking and a

list of other resources.
Symptoms

Common symptoms of kidney cancer include:

• Blood in your urine (which may make urine look

rusty or darker red)

• Pain in your side that doesn’t go away

• A lump or mass in your side or abdomen

• Weight loss for no known reason

• Fever

• Feeling very tired 

These symptoms may be caused by kidney cancer or

by other health problems, such as an infection or a

kidney cyst. People with these symptoms should tell

their doctor so that any problem can be diagnosed and

treated as early as possible.

Diagnosis

If you have symptoms that suggest kidney cancer,

your doctor will try to find out what’s causing the

problems.

You may have a physical exam. Also, you may have

one or more of the following tests:

• Urine tests: The lab checks your urine for blood

and other signs of disease.

• Blood tests: The lab checks your blood for several

substances, such as creatinine. A high level of

creatinine may mean the kidneys aren’t doing their

job.

9
10

• Ultrasound: An ultrasound device uses sound waves

that can’t be heard by humans. The sound waves

make a pattern of echoes as they bounce off organs

inside your abdomen. The echoes create a picture of

your kidney and nearby tissues. The picture can

show a kidney tumor.

• CT scan: An x-ray machine linked to a computer

takes a series of detailed pictures of your abdomen.

You may receive an injection of contrast material so

your urinary tract and lymph nodes show up clearly

in the pictures. The CT scan can show cancer in the

kidneys, lymph nodes, or elsewhere in the abdomen.

• MRI: A large machine with a strong magnet linked

to a computer is used to make detailed pictures of

your urinary tract and lymph nodes. You may

receive an injection of contrast material. MRI can

show cancer in your kidneys, lymph nodes, or other

tissues in the abdomen.

• IVP: You’ll receive an injection of dye into a vein in

your arm. The dye travels through the body and

collects in your kidneys. The dye makes them show

up on x-rays. A series of x-rays then tracks the dye

as it moves through your kidneys to your ureters and

bladder. The x-rays can show a kidney tumor or

other problems. (IVP is not used as commonly as

CT or MRI for the detection of kidney cancer.)

• Biopsy: The removal of tissue to look for cancer

cells is a biopsy. In some cases, your doctor will do

a biopsy to diagnose kidney cancer. Your doctor

inserts a thin needle through your skin into the

kidney to remove a small sample of tissue. Your

doctor may use ultrasound or a CT scan to guide the

needle. A pathologist uses a microscope to check for

cancer cells in the tissue.
• Surgery: After surgery to remove part or all of a

kidney tumor, a pathologist can make the final

diagnosis by checking the tissue under a microscope

for cancer cells.

Staging

If kidney cancer is diagnosed, your doctor needs to

learn the extent (stage) of the disease to help you

choose the best treatment. The stage is based on the

size of the kidney tumor and whether the cancer has

invaded nearby tissues or spread to other parts of the

body.

Your doctor may order one or more tests:

• Blood tests: Your doctor can check for substances in

your blood. Some people with kidney cancer have

high levels of calcium or LDH. A blood test can also

show how well your liver is working.

• Chest x-ray: An x-ray of the chest can show a

tumor in your lung.

• CT scan: CT scans of your chest and abdomen can

show cancer in your lymph nodes, lungs, or

elsewhere.

• MRI: MRI can show cancer in your blood vessels,

lymph nodes, or other tissues in the abdomen.

When cancer spreads from its original place to

another part of the body, the new tumor has the same

kind of abnormal cells and the same name as the

primary (original) tumor. For example, if kidney cancer

spreads to a lung, the cancer cells in the lung are

actually kidney cancer cells. The disease is metastatic

kidney cancer, not lung cancer. It’s treated as kidney

cancer, not as lung cancer. Doctors sometimes call the

new tumor “distant” disease.

11
12

These are the stages of kidney cancer:

• Stage I: The tumor is no bigger than a tennis ball

(almost 3 inches or about 7 centimeters). Cancer

cells are found only in the kidney.

• Stage II: The tumor is bigger than a tennis ball. But

cancer cells are found only in the kidney.

• Stage III: The tumor can be any size. It has spread

to at least one nearby lymph node. Or it has grown

through the kidney to reach nearby blood vessels.

• Stage IV: The tumor has grown through the layer of

fatty tissue and the outer layer of fibrous tissue that

surrounds the kidney. Or cancer cells have spread to

nearby lymph nodes or to the lungs, liver, bones, or

other tissues.

Treatment

Common treatment options for people with kidney

cancer are surgery, targeted therapy, and biological

therapy. You may receive more than one type of

treatment.

The treatment that’s right for you depends mainly on

the following:

• The size of the tumor

• Whether the tumor has invaded tissues outside the

kidney

• Whether the tumor has spread to other parts of the

body

• Your age and general health

You may have a team of specialists to help plan

your treatment. Your doctor may refer you to a

specialist, or you may ask for a referral.
You may want to see a urologist, a surgeon who

specializes in treating problems of the urinary tract.

Other specialists who treat kidney cancer include

urologic oncologists (surgeons who specialize in

cancers of the urinary tract), medical oncologists, and

radiation oncologists. Your health care team may also

include an oncology nurse and a registered dietitian.

Your health care team can describe your treatment

choices, the expected results of each, and the possible

side effects. Because cancer therapy often damages

healthy cells and tissues, side effects are common.

Before treatment starts, ask your health care team

about possible side effects and how treatment may

change your normal activities. You and your health

care team can work together to develop a treatment

plan that meets your needs.

At any stage of disease, supportive care is available

to control pain and other symptoms, to relieve the side

effects of treatment, and to ease emotional concerns.

Information about such care is available on NCI’s Web

site at http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/coping.

For example, some people with kidney cancer may

need to have radiation therapy to relieve pain or

certain other problems. Radiation therapy uses highenergy rays to kill cancer cells.

Also, NCI’s Cancer Information Service can answer

your questions about supportive care. Call

1–800–4–CANCER (1–800–422–6237). Or chat

using LiveHelp, NCI’s instant messaging service, at

http://www.cancer.gov/livehelp.

You may want to talk with your doctor about taking

part in a clinical trial. Clinical trials are research

studies testing new treatments. They are an important

option for people with all stages of kidney cancer. See

the Taking Part in Cancer Research section on page 23.

13
14

You may want to ask your doctor these

questions before you begin treatment:

• How large is the tumor? What is the stage of

the disease? Has the tumor grown outside the

kidney or spread to other organs? 

• What are my treatment choices? Which do you

suggest for me? Why?

• What are the expected benefits of each kind of

treatment?

• What can I do to prepare for treatment?

• Will I need to stay in the hospital? If so, for

how long?

• What are the risks and possible side effects of

each treatment? How can side effects be

managed?

• What is the treatment likely to cost? Will my

insurance cover it?

• How will treatment affect my normal

activities?

• Would a research study (clinical trial) be a

good choice for me?

• Can you recommend a doctor who could give

me a second opinion about my treatment

options?

• How often should I have checkups?
15

Surgery

Surgery is the most common treatment for people

with kidney cancer. The type of surgery depends on the

size and stage of the cancer, whether you have two

kidneys, and whether cancer was found in both

kidneys.

You and your surgeon can talk about the types of

surgery and which may be right for you: 

• Removing all of the kidney (radical nephrectomy):

The surgeon removes the entire kidney along with

the adrenal gland and some tissue around the kidney.

Some lymph nodes in the area may also be

removed.

• Removing part of the kidney (partial

nephrectomy): The surgeon removes only the part of

the kidney that contains the tumor. People with a

kidney tumor that is smaller than a tennis ball may

choose this type of surgery.

There are two approaches for removing the kidney.

The surgeon may remove the tumor by making a large

incision into your body (open surgery). Or the surgeon

may remove the tumor by making small incisions

(laparoscopic surgery). The surgeon sees inside your

abdomen with a thin, lighted tube (a laparoscope)

placed inside a small incision. Sometimes a robot is

used. The surgeon uses handles below a computer

display to control the robot’s arms.
16

The surgeon may use other methods of destroying

the cancer in the kidney. For people who have a tumor

smaller than 4 centimeters and who can’t have surgery

to remove part of the kidney because of other health

problems, the surgeon may suggest:

• Cryosurgery: The surgeon inserts a tool through a

small incision or directly through the skin into the

tumor. The tool freezes and kills the kidney tumor.

• Radiofrequency ablation: The surgeon inserts a

special probe directly through the skin or through a

small incision into the tumor. The probe contains

tiny electrodes that kill the kidney cancer cells with

heat.

It takes time to heal after surgery, and the time

needed to recover is different for each person. It’s

common to feel weak or tired for a while.

Also, you may have pain or discomfort for the first

few days. Medicine can help control your pain. Before

surgery, you should discuss the plan for pain relief with

your doctor or nurse. After surgery, your doctor can

adjust the plan if you need more pain control.

Your health care team will watch you for signs of

bleeding, infection, or other problems. They will keep

track of how much fluid you take in and how much

urine passes out of your body.

If one kidney is removed, the remaining kidney is

usually able to do the work of both kidneys. However,

if your remaining kidney isn’t doing a good job

cleaning your blood, you may need dialysis. Some

people may need a transplant with a healthy kidney

from a donor.
Targeted Therapy 

People with kidney cancer that has spread may

receive a type of drug called targeted therapy. Many

kinds of targeted therapy are used for kidney cancer.

This treatment may shrink a kidney tumor or slow its

growth.

Usually, the targeted therapy is taken by mouth. You

may feel very tired while taking targeted therapy for

kidney cancer. Other side effects may include diarrhea,

nausea, vomiting, sores on the lips or in the mouth, and

high blood pressure. You may want to read the NCI

fact sheet Targeted Cancer Therapies.

17

You may want to ask your doctor these

questions before having surgery:

• What type of surgery do you suggest for me?

Do you recommend surgery that is through a

large incision? Or through small incisions with

a laparoscope? Do you recommend surgery

with a robot? 

• Will lymph nodes and other tissues be

removed? Why?

• How will I feel after surgery? If I have pain,

how can it be controlled?

• How long will I be in the hospital?

• When will I be able to return to normal

activities?

• What are the long-term effects of the surgery?

Will I need dialysis?
Biological Therapy 

People with kidney cancer that has spread may

receive biological therapy. Biological therapy for

kidney cancer is a treatment that may improve the

body’s natural defense (the immune system response)

against cancer. The treatments used for kidney cancer

can slow the growth of tumors or shrink them. The

biological therapy is injected intravenously or under

the skin. The treatment may be given at the hospital or

a doctor’s office.

Other drugs may be given at the same time to

prevent side effects. The side effects differ with the

biological therapy used, and from person to person.

Biological therapy commonly causes a rash or

swelling. You may feel very tired during treatment. The

treatment may also cause a headache, muscle aches, a

fever, or weakness.

You may find it helpful to read the NCI booklet

Biological Therapy. You may also wish to read the

NCI fact sheet Biological Therapies for Cancer.

18

You may want to ask your doctor these

questions about targeted therapy or biological

therapy:

• Why do I need this treatment?

• Which drug or drugs will I receive?

• How do the drugs work?

• When will treatment start? When will it end?

• How will I feel during treatment? What are the

side effects? Are there any lasting side effects?

What can I do about them?
19

Second Opinion

Before starting treatment, you may want a second

opinion about your diagnosis, stage of cancer, and

treatment plan. Some people worry that the doctor will

be offended if they ask for a second opinion. Usually

the opposite is true. Most doctors welcome a second

opinion. And many health insurance companies will

pay for a second opinion if you or your doctor requests

it. Some companies require a second opinion.

If you get a second opinion, the second doctor may

agree with your first doctor’s diagnosis and treatment

plan. Or the second doctor may suggest another

approach. Either way, you have more information and

perhaps a greater sense of control. You can feel more

confident about the decisions you make, knowing that

you’ve looked at all of your options.

It may take some time and effort to gather your

medical records and see another doctor. In most cases,

it’s not a problem to take several weeks to get a second

opinion. The delay in starting treatment usually will

not make treatment less effective. To make sure, you

should discuss this delay with your doctor.

There are many ways to find a doctor for a second

opinion. You can ask your doctor, a local or state

medical society, a nearby hospital, or a medical school

for names of specialists.

Also, you can get information about treatment

centers near you from NCI’s Cancer Information

Service. Call 1–800–4–CANCER (1–800–422–6237).

Or chat using LiveHelp, NCI’s instant messaging

service, at http://www.cancer.gov/livehelp.

Other sources can be found in the NCI fact sheet

How To Find a Doctor or Treatment Facility If You

Have Cancer.
20

Nutrition 

It’s important for you to take very good care of

yourself before, during, and after cancer treatment.

Taking care of yourself includes eating well so that you

get the right amount of calories to maintain a good

weight. You also need enough protein to keep up your

strength. Eating well may help you feel better and have

more energy.

Sometimes, especially during or soon after

treatment, you may not feel like eating. You may be

uncomfortable or tired. You may find that foods don’t

taste as good as they used to. In addition, the side

effects of some treatments (such as poor appetite,

nausea, or vomiting) can make it hard to eat well.
Your doctor, a registered dietitian, or another health

care provider can suggest ways to help you meet your

nutrition needs. Also, the NCI booklet Eating Hints has

many useful ideas and recipes.

Follow-up Care

You’ll need regular checkups (such as every 6

months) after treatment for kidney cancer. Checkups

help ensure that any changes in your health are noted

and treated if needed.

Kidney cancer may come back after treatment. Your

doctor will check for return of cancer. Checkups may

include blood tests, a chest x-ray, CT scans, or an

ultrasound.

NCI has publications to help answer questions about

follow-up care and other concerns. You may find it

helpful to read the NCI booklet Facing Forward: Life

After Cancer Treatment. You may also want to read the

NCI fact sheet Follow-up Care After Cancer

Treatment.

Sources of Support 

Learning that you have kidney cancer can change

your life and the lives of those close to you. These

changes can be hard to handle. It’s normal for you,

your family, and your friends to need help coping with

the feelings that a diagnosis of cancer can bring.

Concerns about treatments and managing side

effects, hospital stays, and medical bills are common.

You may also worry about caring for your family,

keeping your job, or continuing daily activities.

21
22

Here’s where you can go for support:

• Doctors, nurses, and other members of your health

care team can answer questions about treatment,

working, or other activities.

• Social workers, counselors, or members of the

clergy can be helpful if you want to talk about your

feelings or concerns. Often, social workers can

suggest resources for financial aid, transportation,

home care, or emotional support.

• Support groups also can help. In these groups,

patients or their family members meet with other

patients or their families to share what they have

learned about coping with cancer and the effects of

treatment. Groups may offer support in person, over

the telephone, or on the Internet. You may want to

talk with a member of your health care team about

finding a support group.

• NCI’s Cancer Information Service can help you

locate programs and services for people with cancer.

Call 1–800–4–CANCER (1–800–422–6237). Or

chat using LiveHelp, NCI’s instant messaging

service, at http://www.cancer.gov/livehelp.

For tips on coping, you may want to read the NCI

booklet Taking Time: Support for People With Cancer.
Taking Part in Cancer Research

Doctors all over the world are conducting many

types of clinical trials (research studies in which people

volunteer to take part). Clinical trials are designed to

find out whether new treatments are safe and effective.

Even if the people in a trial do not benefit directly

from a treatment, they may still make an important

contribution by helping doctors learn more about

kidney cancer and how to control it. Although clinical

trials may pose some risks, doctors do all they can to

protect their patients.

Doctors are studying new targeted therapies and

drug combinations for kidney cancer. If you’re

interested in being part of a clinical trial, talk with your

doctor. You may want to read the NCI booklet Taking

Part in Cancer Treatment Research Studies. It

describes how treatment studies are carried out and

explains their possible benefits and risks.

NCI’s Web site includes a section on clinical trials at

http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials. It has general

information about clinical trials as well as detailed

information about specific ongoing studies of kidney

cancer.

Also, NCI’s Cancer Information Service can

provide information about clinical trials. Call

1–800–4–CANCER (1–800–422–6237). Or chat

using LiveHelp, NCI’s instant messaging service, at

http://www.cancer.gov/livehelp.

23
24

Dictionary

Definitions of thousands of terms are on NCI’s Web

site in NCI’s Dictionary of Cancer Terms. You can

access it at http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary.

Abdomen (AB-doh-men): The area of the body that

contains the pancreas, stomach, intestines, liver,

gallbladder, and other organs.

Adrenal gland (uh-DREE-nul): A small gland that

makes steroid hormones, adrenaline, and

noradrenaline. These hormones help control heart rate,

blood pressure, and other important body functions.

There are two adrenal glands, one on top of each

kidney.

Benign (beh-NINE): Not cancerous. Benign tumors

may grow larger but do not spread to other parts of the

body. Also called nonmalignant.

Biological therapy (BY-oh-LAH-jih-kul THAYR-uhpee): Treatment to boost or restore the ability of the

immune system to fight cancer, infections, and other

diseases. Also called immunotherapy.

Biopsy (BY-op-see): The removal of cells or tissues for

examination by a pathologist. The pathologist may

study the tissue under a microscope or perform other

tests on the cells or tissue.

Blood vessel: A tube through which the blood

circulates in the body. Blood vessels include a network

of arteries, arterioles, capillaries, venules, and veins.

Calcium (KAL-see-um): A mineral needed for healthy

teeth, bones, and other body tissues. It is the most

common mineral in the body. A deposit of calcium in

body tissues, such as breast tissue, may be a sign of

disease.
Cancer (KAN-ser): A term for diseases in which

abnormal cells divide without control and can invade

nearby tissues. Cancer cells can also spread to other

parts of the body through the blood and lymph

systems.

Cell (sel): The individual unit that makes up the tissues

of the body. All living things are made up of one or

more cells.

Clinical trial (KLIH-nih-kul TRY-ul): A type of

research study that tests how well new medical

approaches work in people. These studies test new

methods of screening, prevention, diagnosis, or

treatment of a disease. Also called clinical study.

Contrast material: A dye or other substance that helps

show abnormal areas inside the body. It is given by

injection into a vein, by enema, or by mouth. Contrast

material may be used with x-rays, CT scans, MRI, or

other imaging tests.

Creatinine (cree-AT-ih-nin): A compound that is

excreted from the body in urine. Creatinine levels are

measured to monitor kidney function.

Cryosurgery (KRY-oh-SER-juh-ree): A procedure in

which tissue is frozen to destroy abnormal cells. Liquid

nitrogen or liquid carbon dioxide is used to freeze the

tissue. Also called cryoablation and cryosurgical

ablation.

CT scan: A series of detailed pictures of areas inside

the body taken from different angles. The pictures are

created by a computer linked to an x-ray machine. Also

called CAT scan, computed tomography scan,

computerized axial tomography scan, and

computerized tomography.

Cyst (sist): A sac or capsule in the body. It may be

filled with fluid or other material.

25
26

Dialysis (dye-AL-ih-sis): The process of filtering the

blood when the kidneys are not able to cleanse it.

Fibrous: Containing or resembling fibers.

Gene: The functional and physical unit of heredity

passed from parent to offspring. Genes are pieces of

DNA, and most genes contain the information for

making a specific protein.

Immune system (ih-MYOON SIS-tem): The complex

group of organs and cells that defends the body against

infections and other diseases.

Infection: Invasion and multiplication of germs in the

body. Infections can occur in any part of the body and

can spread throughout the body. The germs may be

bacteria, viruses, yeast, or fungi. They can cause a

fever and other problems, depending on where the

infection occurs. When the body’s natural defense

system is strong, it can often fight the germs and

prevent infection. Some cancer treatments can weaken

the natural defense system.

IVP: A procedure in which x-ray images of the

kidneys, ureters, and bladder are taken at regular times

after a substance that shows up on x-rays is injected

into a blood vessel. The substance outlines the kidneys,

ureters, and bladder as it flows through the system and

collects in the urine. IVP is usually done to look for a

block in the flow of urine. Also called intravenous

pyelography (IN-truh-VEE-nus PY-eh-LAH-gruh-fee).

Kidney: One of a pair of organs in the abdomen.

Kidneys remove waste from the blood (as urine), make

a substance that stimulates red blood cell production,

and play a role in blood pressure regulation.

Laparoscope (LA-puh-ruh-SKOPE): A thin, tube-like

instrument used to look at tissues and organs inside the

abdomen. A laparoscope has a light and a lens for

viewing and may have a tool to remove tissue.
Laparoscopic surgery (LA-puh-ruh-SKAH-pik SERjuh-ree): Surgery done with the aid of a laparoscope. A

laparoscope is a thin, tube-like instrument with a light

and a lens for viewing. It may also have a tool to

remove tissue to be checked under a microscope for

signs of disease.

LDH: One of a group of enzymes found in the blood

and other body tissues, and involved in energy

production in cells. An increased amount in the blood

may be a sign of tissue damage and some types of

cancer or other diseases. Also called lactate

dehydrogenase (dee-hy-DRAH-jeh-nays) and lactic

acid dehydrogenase.

Lymph node (limf node): A rounded mass of

lymphatic tissue that is surrounded by a capsule of

connective tissue. Lymph nodes filter lymph

(lymphatic fluid), and they store lymphocytes (white

blood cells). They are located along lymphatic vessels.

Also called lymph gland.

Lymph vessel (limf): A thin tube that carries lymph

(lymphatic fluid) and white blood cells through the

lymphatic system. Also called lymphatic vessel.

Malignant (muh-LIG-nunt): Cancerous. Malignant

tumors can invade and destroy nearby tissue and

spread to other parts of the body.

Medical oncologist (MEH-dih-kul on-KAH-loh-jist):

A doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating

cancer using chemotherapy, hormonal therapy,

biological therapy, and targeted therapy. A medical

oncologist often is the main health care provider for

someone who has cancer. A medical oncologist also

gives supportive care and may coordinate treatment

given by other specialists.

Metastatic (meh-tuh-STA-tik): Having to do with

metastasis, which is the spread of cancer from the

place where it started to other places in the body.

27
28

MRI: A procedure in which radio waves and a

powerful magnet linked to a computer are used to

create detailed pictures of areas inside the body. These

pictures can show the difference between normal and

diseased tissue. MRI makes better images of organs

and soft tissue than other scanning techniques, such as

CT scan or x-ray. MRI is especially useful for imaging

the brain, the spine, the soft tissue of joints, and the

inside of bones. Also called magnetic resonance

imaging.

Oncology nurse (on-KAH-loh-jee): A nurse who

specializes in treating and caring for people who have

cancer.

Organ: A part of the body that performs a specific

function. For example, the heart is an organ.

Partial nephrectomy (PAR-shul neh-FREK-toh-mee):

Surgery to remove part of one kidney or a kidney

tumor, but not an entire kidney.

Pathologist (puh-THAH-loh-jist): A doctor who

identifies diseases by studying cells and tissues under a

microscope.

Radiation oncologist (RAY-dee-AY-shun on-KAHloh-jist): A doctor who specializes in using radiation to

treat cancer.

Radiation therapy (RAY-dee-AY-shun THAYR-uhpee): The use of high-energy radiation from x-rays,

gamma rays, neutrons, protons, and other sources to

kill cancer cells and shrink tumors.

Radical nephrectomy (RA-dih-kul neh-FREK-tohmee): Surgery to remove an entire kidney, nearby

adrenal gland and lymph nodes, and other surrounding

tissue.

Radiofrequency ablation (RAY-dee-oh-FREE-kwensee uh-BLAY-shun): A procedure that uses radio waves

to heat and destroy abnormal cells. The radio waves
travel through electrodes (small devices that carry

electricity). Radiofrequency ablation may be used to

treat cancer and other conditions.

Red blood cell: A cell that carries oxygen to all parts

of the body.

Registered dietitian (dy-eh-TIH-shun): A health

professional with special training in the use of diet and

nutrition to keep the body healthy. A registered

dietitian may help the medical team improve the

nutritional health of a patient.

Renal cancer (REE-nul KAN-ser): The most common

type of kidney cancer. It begins in the lining of the

renal tubules in the kidney. The renal tubules filter the

blood and produce urine. Also called hypernephroma,

renal cell adenocarcinoma, and renal cell carcinoma.

Renal cell carcinoma (REE-nul sel KAR-sih-NOHmuh): The most common type of kidney cancer. It

begins in the lining of the renal tubules in the kidney.

The renal tubules filter the blood and produce urine.

Also called hypernephroma, renal cell adenocarcinoma,

and renal cancer.

Renal pelvis (REE-nul PEL-vus): The area at the

center of the kidney. Urine collects here and is

funneled into the ureter, the tube that connects the

kidney to the bladder.

Risk factor: Something that increases the chance of

developing a disease. Some examples of risk factors

for cancer are age, a family history of certain cancers,

use of tobacco products, being exposed to radiation or

certain chemicals, infection with certain viruses or

bacteria, and certain genetic changes.

Side effect: A problem that occurs when treatment

affects healthy tissues or organs. Some common side

effects of cancer treatment are fatigue, pain, nausea,

vomiting, decreased blood cell counts, hair loss, and

mouth sores.

29
30

Supportive care: Care given to improve the quality of

life of patients who have a serious or life-threatening

disease. The goal of supportive care is to prevent or

treat as early as possible the symptoms of a disease,

side effects caused by treatment of a disease, and

psychological, social, and spiritual problems related to

a disease or its treatment. Also called comfort care,

palliative care, and symptom management.

Surgeon: A doctor who removes or repairs a part of

the body by operating on the patient.

Surgery (SER-juh-ree): A procedure to remove or

repair a part of the body or to find out whether disease

is present. An operation.

Targeted therapy (TAR-geh-ted THAYR-uh-pee): A

type of treatment that uses drugs or other substances,

such as monoclonal antibodies, to identify and attack

specific cancer cells. Targeted therapy may have fewer

side effects than other types of cancer treatments.

Tissue (TISH-oo): A group or layer of cells that work

together to perform a specific function.

Transitional cell cancer (tran-ZIH-shuh-nul sel KANser): Cancer that forms in transitional cells in the lining

of the bladder, ureter, or renal pelvis (the part of the

kidney that collects, holds, and drains urine).

Transplant: A surgical procedure in which tissue or an

organ is transferred from one area of a person’s body to

another area, or from one person (the donor) to another

person (the recipient).

Tumor (TOO-mer): An abnormal mass of tissue that

results when cells divide more than they should or do

not die when they should. Tumors may be benign (not

cancer), or malignant (cancer). Also called neoplasm.

Ultrasound (UL-truh-SOWND): A procedure in which

high-energy sound waves are bounced off internal

tissues or organs and make echoes. The echo patterns
are shown on the screen of an ultrasound machine,

forming a picture of body tissues called a sonogram.

Also called ultrasonography.

Ureter (YER-eh-ter): The tube that carries urine from

the kidney to the bladder.

Urethra (yoo-REE-thruh): The tube through which

urine leaves the body. It empties urine from the

bladder.

Urinary tract (YOOR-in-air-ee): The organs of the

body that produce and discharge urine. These include

the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.

Urine (YOOR-in): Fluid containing water and waste

products. Urine is made by the kidneys, stored in the

bladder, and leaves the body through the urethra.

Urologic oncologist (YOOR-uh-LAH-jik on-KAHloh-jist): A doctor who specializes in treating cancers

of the urinary system.

Urologist (yoo-RAH-loh-jist): A doctor who

specializes in diseases of the urinary organs in females

and the urinary and sex organs in males.

Von Hippel-Lindau syndrome: A rare inherited

disorder in which blood vessels grow abnormally in the

eyes, brain, spinal cord, adrenal glands, or other parts

of the body. People with von Hippel-Lindau syndrome

have a higher risk of developing some types of cancer.

Also called VHL syndrome.

X-ray: A type of high-energy radiation. In low doses,

x-rays are used to diagnose diseases by making

pictures of the inside of the body. In high doses, x-rays

are used to treat cancer.

31
National Cancer Institute Publications

NCI provides publications about cancer, including

the booklets and fact sheets mentioned in this booklet.

Many are available in both English and Spanish.

You may read these publications online and print

your own copy. Also, people in the United States and

its territories may order NCI publications:

• By telephone: People in the United States and 

its territories may order these and other NCI

publications by calling NCI’s Cancer Information

Service at 1–800–4–CANCER

(1–800–422–6237).

• On the Internet: Many NCI publications may be

viewed, downloaded, and ordered from

http://www.cancer.gov/publications. This Web site

also explains how people outside the United States

can mail or fax their requests for NCI booklets.

Cancer Treatment and Supportive Care

• How To Find a Doctor or Treatment Facility If You

Have Cancer (also in Spanish)

• Targeted Cancer Therapies

• Biological Therapy

• Biological Therapies for Cancer

• Pain Control (also in Spanish)

• Eating Hints (also in Spanish)

Coping with Cancer

• Taking Time: Support for People with Cancer 

32
Life After Cancer Treatment

• Facing Forward: Life After Cancer Treatment (also

in Spanish)

• Follow-up Care After Cancer Treatment

• Facing Forward: Ways You Can Make a Difference

in Cancer

Advanced or Recurrent Cancer

• Coping With Advanced Cancer

• When Cancer Returns

Complementary Medicine

• Thinking about Complementary & Alternative

Medicine

Caregivers

• When Someone You Love Is Being Treated for

Cancer: Support for Caregivers

• When Someone You Love Has Advanced Cancer:

Support for Caregivers

• Facing Forward: When Someone You Love Has

Completed Cancer Treatment

• Caring for the Caregiver: Support for Cancer

Caregivers

Quitting Smoking

• Clearing the Air: Quit Smoking Today

33
Research Studies

• Taking Part in Cancer Treatment Research Studies

• Providing Your Tissue for Research: What You Need

To Know

• Donating Tissue for Cancer Research: Biospecimens

and Biorepositories

34
The National Cancer Institute 

The National Cancer Institute (NCI), part of the

National Institutes of Health, is the Federal

Government’s principal agency for cancer research

and training. NCI conducts and supports basic and

clinical research to find better ways to prevent,

diagnose, and treat cancer. The Institute also supports

education and training for cancer research and

treatment programs. In addition, NCI is responsible

for communicating its research findings to the

medical community and the public.

Copyright permission

You must have permission to use or reproduce the

artwork in this booklet for other purposes. The

artwork was created by private sector illustrators,

designers, and/or photographers, and they retain the

copyrights to artwork they develop under contract to

NCI. In many cases, artists will grant you permission,

but they may require a credit line and/or usage fees.

To inquire about permission to reproduce NCI

artwork, please write to: 

Office of Communications and Education

National Cancer Institute

6116 Executive Boulevard, Room 3066 

MSC 8323

Rockville, MD 20892–8323

You do not need our permission to reproduce or

translate NCI written text. The written text of this

NCI booklet is in the public domain, and it is not

subject to copyright restrictions. However, we would

appreciate a credit line and a copy of your translation

of this NCI booklet.
NIH Publication No.10-1569

Revised August 2010

Printed September 2010