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. Filtered blood (urine) leaves the kidney through a long tubular structure called a ureter. The ureters connect the kidneys to the bladder. Urine is stored in the bladder until urination.
All of the important functions of kidney can be handled with one kidney and that's why many people are living normal healthy lives with just one kidney. Kidney cancers may start within the kidney (primary) or have spread from another organ/source. Primary kidney cancers may include renal cell carcinoma, transitional cell carcinoma (renal pelvic tumor), sarcomas and collecting duct tumors.
