• Epidemiology
• Overview of the Kidneys
• Renal cell carcinoma (RCC)

Epidemiology
It is expected that there will be about 30,000 new cases of kidney cancer (17,800 in men and 12,200 in women) in 1999 in the United States. In 1999 about 11,900 people (7,200 men and 4,700 women) will die from this disease. RCC accounts for about 85% of all kidney tumors. continue discovery > > >

Overview of the Kidneys
The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs fixed to the back wall of the abdominal cavity. One kidney is to the left and the other is to the right of the backbone. Both are protected by the lower ribcage. The kidneys' function is to filter the blood and eliminate the body of excess fluid, salt and waste products. continue discovery > > >

Kidney Cancer - Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC)
RCC is the most common type of kidney cancer. RCC begins small and grows larger over time, like many other cancers. Based on limited observations, renal cancers appear to grow approximately 1 cm (1/2 inch) in diameter per year. RCC usually grows as a single mass. continue discovery > > >