Kidney cancer develops when cells in the kidney begin to grow uncontrollably and form a tumor.
The most common type of kidney cancer in adults is renal cell carcinoma, which starts in the lining of the small tubes within the kidney.
There are several subtypes of renal cell carcinoma, with clear cell being the most common. Less common types of kidney cancer include transitional cell carcinoma, which begins in the lining of the renal pelvis, and Wilms tumor, which is more often seen in children.
Kidney cancer often does not cause noticeable symptoms in its early stages. As it grows, it may lead to symptoms such as blood in the urine, lower back pain on one side, fatigue, or unexplained weight loss.
Learn more about how kidney cancer is diagnosed.
