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Kidney Cancer

Definition of kidney cancer: Cancer that forms in tissues of the kidneys. Kidney cancer includes renal cell carcinoma (cancer that forms in the lining of very small tubes in the kidney that filter the blood and remove waste products) and renal pelvis carcinoma (cancer that forms in the center of the kidney where urine collects). It also includes Wilms tumor, which is a type of kidney cancer that usually develops in children under the age of 5. 

Estimated new cases and deaths from kidney (renal cell and renal pelvis) cancer in the United States in 2013:

  • New cases: 65,150
  • Deaths: 13,680

See the online booklet What You Need To Know About™ Kidney Cancer to learn about kidney cancer symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and questions to ask the doctor.

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Related Pages

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    Managing physical, emotional, and lifestyle effects of cancer and treatment on patients and families; also includes information on finances, insurance, and healthcare services.
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    Healing philosophies, approaches, and therapies used in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in cancer care.
  • Learn About Clinical Trials
    Perhaps you are thinking about participating in a clinical trial. Or maybe you have a friend or family member with cancer and are wondering if a clinical trial is right for them. This section contains basic information about clinical trials, things to think about when deciding to take part and questions to ask your doctor.