Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common type of kidney cancer, accounting for about 85% of all cases. It is more common in men than in women and the average age of diagnosis is around 64 years. The main risk factors for RCC are smoking, obesity, and high blood pressure.
The symptoms of RCC can include blood in the urine, pain in the side or back, a lump in the abdomen, weight loss, and fatigue. However, many people with RCC do not experience any symptoms in the early stages of the disease. RCC is often diagnosed during imaging tests for other conditions.
Treatment options for RCC include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. The type of treatment that is recommended depends on the stage of the cancer and the patient's overall health. Surgery is the most common treatment for RCC and the goal is to remove the entire tumor. Radiation therapy and chemotherapy may be used before or after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells. Targeted therapy and immunotherapy are newer treatment options that are showing promise in treating RCC.