Is Kidney Cancer the Same as Renal Cell Carcinoma?

The terms kidney cancer and renal cell carcinoma (RCC) are often used interchangeably, but they are not exactly the same. Kidney cancer is a general term that refers to any cancer that starts in the kidney, while renal cell carcinoma is the most common type of kidney cancer in adults.

Renal cell carcinoma begins in the lining of the tiny tubes (called tubules) within the kidney that help filter waste from the blood. It accounts for around 85% to 90% of all adult kidney cancer cases. Because it is so common, many doctors and resources simply use the term “kidney cancer” when referring specifically to RCC.

There are other, less common types of kidney cancer. These include papillary renal cell carcinoma, chromophobe renal cell carcinoma, and rare forms such as collecting duct carcinoma. In children, the most common type is Wilms tumor, which is entirely different from the cancers seen in adults.

Understanding this distinction can be helpful when reading about treatment options or interpreting medical reports. For example, while many articles and clinical trials mention “renal cell carcinoma,” they are usually referring to the broader category of kidney cancer in adults.

In summary, all renal cell carcinomas are kidney cancers, but not all kidney cancers are renal cell carcinomas. Knowing the specific type of kidney cancer can help guide treatment decisions and give a clearer picture of what to expect.

Looking for more questions?

Visit our Kidney Cancer Questions page for all other topics explained in plain language.

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