The kidneys are bean-shaped organs located below the ribcage near the middle of your back. most people have two kidneys, each about the size of a fist, one on each side of the spine.
What do the kidneys do?
The kidneys have four main functions in the body:
The kidneys also produce several important hormones, including:
Kidney cancer is the abnormal growth of cells in kidney tissue. in time, these cells form a mass called a tumor. cancer begins when something triggers a change in the cells, and they divide out of control. A cancerous, or malignant, tumor can spread (metastasize) to other tissues and vital organs.
The information in this document refers to renal cell carcinoma – the most common form of kidney cancer. However, there are different types of kidney cancer, including:
Kidney cancer may not produce any noticeable symptoms in its early stages. However, as the tumor grows, symptoms may begin to appear. for that reason, kidney cancer is often not diagnosed until it has begun to spread.
The exact cause of kidney cancer is not known, but several risk factors have been identified. A risk factor is a characteristic or behavior that increases your chance of developing a disease. risk factors for kidney cancer include:
Each year, the incidence of kidney cancer has increased by in the United Arab emirates. The risk of kidney cancer increases with age. it is more common in men than in women.
If you have symptoms, your doctor will perform a complete medical history and physical exam. The doctor also may order certain tests that can help in diagnosing and assessing cancer. These tests can include:
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This information is provided by the Cleveland Clinic and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or healthcare provider. Please consult your healthcare provider for advice about a specific medical condition.
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