What is kidney cancer?

Before answering what is kidney cancer, it is best to define the function of the kidneys. The kidneys are a pair of organs on both sides of the spine located in the lower portion of the abdomen. Each is about the size of the fist with an adrenal gland attached on top of each. Fatty tissue with an outer layer of fibrous tissue called Gerota’s fascia enclose the kidneys and adrenal glands.

The kidneys are part of the urinary tract. The product of the kidneys is the urine which is the liquid wastes and extra water from the blood. Urine is collected in the renal pelvis in the middle of each kidney. When the kidneys are full, the urine passes from the renal pelvis into the bladder through a tube known as the ureter. Urine then goes through the urethra leaving the human body. Aside from the kidneys’ urinary function, it also produces substances that aid in the control of blood pressure and production of red blood cells.

Any cancer determined to originate from the kidney is kidney cancer. It is uncommon for cancer of the kidney to arise from another primary part outside the kidneys. Therefore, it is rather unlikely to have metastatic cancer of the kidney.