What is Kidney Cancer?
"Kidney cancer is cancer that begins in the kidneys. Your kidneys are two bean-shaped organs, each about the size of your fist. They're located behind your abdominal organs, with one kidney on each side of your spine." (Visit Kidney Cancer, Mayo Clinic, for more information).
Different Types of Kidney Cancer:
"More than 90 percent of all kidney tumors are renal cell carcinomas.
Subtypes of renal cell carcinomas include:
Clear cell RCC
Papillary RCC
Chromophobe RCC
Collecting duct RCC
Unclassified RCC
Other types of kidney cancer include:
Transitional cell carcinoma
Renal sarcoma
Metastatic renal cancer occurs when the cancer has spread from the kidney into lymph nodes or distant organs, such as the liver, lungs or bladder." (Visit About Kidney Cancer, Cancer Treatment Centers of America, for more information).
Types of Treatments:
Depending on the kidney cancer type and its stage of advancement, treatments may be local or systemic. A local treatment means that only the area around the tumor is affected, whereas systemic treatments impact cancer cells throughout the body. Systemic treatments are usually drug therapies.
COMMON LOCAL TREATMENTS
COMMON SYSTEMIC TREATMENTS
Visit Kidney Cancer Treatment, American Cancer Society, for more information
Caring For a Loved One with Kidney Cancer
Kidney Cancer Association - Caregiving - Kidney Cancer Association
"Caring for someone with cancer is a vital and challenging role. In order to be good caregivers, caregivers also require support and resources." This page includes materials for numerous caregiving topics, such as a “Just Diagnosed Toolkit,” financial assistance, and types of treatments.
5 Ways to Support a Loved One with Renal Cell Carcinoma - Healthline
This Healthline article offers 5 tips for supporting someone with Renal Cell Carcinoma, including being there for them, helping out, making them laugh, sending a thoughtful gift, and being an ally in their care.
KCCure -Caregiver for Kidney Cancer Patients Community – Kidney Cancer Research Alliance
This Facebook group is a "community designed for those caring for someone who has been diagnosed with kidney cancer. We hope this community will provide a safe place for caregivers to share their stories, vent frustrations, seek and find support from others who are walking the same path."
Being a Caregiver – American Kidney Fund
The American Kidney Fund is here to help you and your loved one feel empowered to manage kidney disease." This page suggests asking for help, taking care of yourself, and getting involved with others, along with other tips and recommendations.
Caring For a Loved One with Kidney Cancer
Kidney Cancer Association - Caregiving - Kidney Cancer Association
"Caring for someone with cancer is a vital and challenging role. In order to be good caregivers, caregivers also require support and resources." This page includes materials for numerous caregiving topics, such as a “Just Diagnosed Toolkit,” financial assistance, and types of treatments.
5 Ways to Support a Loved One with Renal Cell Carcinoma - Healthline
This Healthline article offers 5 tips for supporting someone with Renal Cell Carcinoma, including being there for them, helping out, making them laugh, sending a thoughtful gift, and being an ally in their care.
KCCure -Caregiver for Kidney Cancer Patients Community – Kidney Cancer Research Alliance
This Facebook group is a "community designed for those caring for someone who has been diagnosed with kidney cancer. We hope this community will provide a safe place for caregivers to share their stories, vent frustrations, seek and find support from others who are walking the same path."
Being a Caregiver – American Kidney Fund
The American Kidney Fund is here to help you and your loved one feel empowered to manage kidney disease." This page suggests asking for help, taking care of yourself, and getting involved with others, along with other tips and recommendations.