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Register nowKidney cancer is one of the most common cancers in the US and is twice as common in men than in women.
The information on this page may help you gain a better understanding of your kidney cancer diagnosis and what’s happening to your body. This may help when making important decisions with your doctor.
Kidney cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the kidney. Renal cell carcinoma, also known as renal cell cancer, is the most common type of kidney cancer. Approximately 9 out of 10 kidney cancers are renal cell carcinomas. It usually develops as a single tumor on one kidney. However, there can be 2 or more tumors on one kidney or tumors on both kidneys at the same time.
Kidney cancer is most likely to develop in older people, with most being diagnosed between the ages of 65 and 74. In people younger than 45, kidney cancer is very uncommon.
Kidney cancer is more common in men, African Americans, American Indians, and Alaska Natives.
From the National Cancer Institute (NCI)
The information below is based on information originally published by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), the US government’s main agency for cancer research, and is meant to be a general guide. Use this information to talk to your doctor about your specific stage of kidney cancer.
Kidney cancer is described in 4 stages ranging from I (1) to IV (4), with stage IV (4) being the most severe.
In stage I, the tumor is 7 centimeters or smaller and is found in the kidney only.
In stage II, the tumor is larger than 7 centimeters and is found in the kidney only.
In stage III, one of the following is found:
In stage IV, one of the following is found:
Learn about a possible treatment option for certain patients with advanced kidney cancer.
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