Renal Cell Carcinoma

Nephrology

Overview

Definition

Most common type of kidney cancer in adults.

Epidemiology

Accounts for ~2-3% of all adult cancers.

Etiology & Risk Factors

  • Smoking
  • Obesity
  • Hypertension
  • Von Hippel-Lindau syndrome

Clinical Symptoms

  • Classic triad: Flank pain, Hematuria, Palpable abdominal mass
  • Weight loss

Clinical Approach

Diagnosis

  • CT Abdomen with contrast
  • Ultrasound
  • Biopsy

Management

  • Radical or partial nephrectomy
  • Targeted therapy (Tyrosine kinase inhibitors)

Complications

  • Metastasis (lungs, bones, brain)