What Is Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma?

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most common type of kidney cancer, making up about 70% to 80% of all kidney cancer cases in adults. It gets its name from how the cancer cells look under a microscope—they appear pale or “clear” due to the fat and glycogen stored inside them.

Clear cell RCC usually begins in the tubules of the kidney—the tiny structures that filter waste from the blood. The exact cause is not always known, but certain risk factors are strongly associated with ccRCC, including smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, and genetic conditions like von Hippel–Lindau (VHL) disease.

This type of cancer can vary in behavior. Some tumors grow slowly and remain confined to the kidney, while others are more aggressive and can spread to nearby tissues, lymph nodes, or distant organs such as the lungs or bones. That’s why early detection is important.

Treatment for clear cell RCC depends on the size and stage of the tumor. Small tumors may be removed with a partial nephrectomy, while larger or more advanced tumors may require a radical nephrectomy (removal of the entire kidney). If the cancer has spread, systemic treatments like immunotherapy (e.g. nivolumab) or targeted therapy (e.g. cabozantinib) may be used.

Clear cell RCC has been the focus of much research, leading to significant advances in treatment—especially for advanced-stage disease. Many patients now live longer and with better quality of life thanks to newer medications.

Understanding the specific type of kidney cancer—like clear cell RCC—helps doctors choose the most appropriate treatment and provide more accurate information about prognosis.

Looking for more questions?

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

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