Is Kidney Cancer the Same as Renal Cell Carcinoma?

Many people wonder whether kidney cancer and renal cell carcinoma are the same disease. The short answer is yes—renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common type of kidney cancer in adults, but not all kidney cancers are renal cell carcinoma. Understanding the difference helps patients make sense of medical terms and treatment plans.

The kidneys contain millions of tiny filtering units called nephrons that clean the blood and produce urine. In most adults with kidney cancer, the cancer begins in the lining of the small tubes, or tubules, inside these nephrons. This specific type is known as renal cell carcinoma. Because it accounts for about 90 percent of adult kidney cancers, doctors and medical articles often use the terms “kidney cancer” and “renal cell carcinoma” interchangeably.

However, there are several subtypes of renal cell carcinoma. The most common is clear cell RCC, followed by papillary RCC and chromophobe RCC. Each subtype behaves slightly differently and may respond to different treatments. For example, clear cell RCC often responds better to certain targeted therapies and immunotherapy drugs, while other subtypes may require alternative treatment combinations.

Not all kidney cancers are RCC. Less common forms include transitional cell carcinoma, which starts in the renal pelvis where the kidney joins the ureter, and Wilms tumor, which mainly affects children. These cancers are treated differently because they develop from different types of cells.

Doctors diagnose renal cell carcinoma through imaging tests such as ultrasound, CT scans, or MRI, which show whether a mass is present in the kidney. In some cases, a biopsy is performed to confirm the diagnosis and identify the specific subtype. Once confirmed, staging tests help determine whether the cancer is confined to the kidney or has spread elsewhere.

Treatment for renal cell carcinoma depends on its stage and type. Early-stage cancers are often removed surgically through partial or radical nephrectomy. If the disease has spread, targeted therapies, immunotherapy, and combination treatments are used to control growth and improve survival. Thanks to advances in modern medicine, many patients with RCC can live long and productive lives after treatment.

In summary, renal cell carcinoma is the main form of kidney cancer in adults, but it is not the only one. Knowing the specific type is important because it helps guide the most effective treatment plan and gives patients 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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