Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC).

What is the primary cause of kidney cancer?

The exact cause of kidney cancer isn’t known, but there are certain risk factors that may increase your chances of getting the disease. These include:

• dialysis treatment: Dialysis is the process of cleaning your blood by passing it through a special machine. Dialysis is used when a person’s kidneys aren’t functioning properly.
• Urinalysis: A sample of your urine (pee) is tested to see if it contains blood. Even very small traces of blood, invisible to the naked eye, can be detected in tests of urine samples.
• Ultrasound: This test uses high-frequency sound waves that are transmitted through body tissues to create images that are displayed on a monitor. This test is helpful in detecting tumors, which have a different density from healthy tissues.
• Renal mass biopsy: During this procedure, a thin needle is inserted into the tumor, and a small sample of your tissue is removed (ablation, radiation therapy, targeted drug therapy, immunotherapy and sometimes chemotherapy.

  Surgery

  Surgery is the treatment of choice for most stages of kidney cancer. Several surgical options may be considered, including:

  • Radiofrequency ablation: Your healthcare provider inserts a needle through your skin and into the kidney tumor. Next, an electrical current is passed through the cancer cells to destroy them.

  Advertisement

  Radiation therapy

  Your healthcare provider may recommend immune system. In turn, this helps your body recognize and destroy cancer cells more effectively. Immunotherapy may be given as a standalone treatment or along with surgery.

  Chemotherapy

  Make an Appointment