Kidney Cancer Overview

Kidney cancer is a cancer that originates in the kidney. Your kidneys are two bean-shaped organs, each about the size of your fist. They are located behind your abdominal organs, with only one kidney on either side of your spine.

In adults, the most common form of kidney cancer, renal cell carcinoma. Other less common forms of kidney cancer can occur. Transitional cell carcinoma, which affects the ureters, can also begin in the kidneys. Children are more likely to develop a form of kidney cancer called Wilms tumor.

The incidence of renal cell carcinoma seems to be growing, although it is not clear why. Many kidney cancers are detected procedures for other diseases or conditions. Imaging techniques such as computed tomography (CT) is used more often, which can lead to the discovery of renal tumors more.