Kidney tumors are abnormal growths of tissue that may be cancerous or noncancerous. Doctors don’t know what causes kidney tumors, but using tobacco products and drinking a lot of alcohol may contribute to their development. Imaging, blood and urine tests help diagnose kidney tumors. Treatment includes surgery or different therapies.
A kidney tumor is a mass or group of abnormal cells that form on your kidney. They may be benign (not cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
Another name for kidney tumors is renal tumors.
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It depends. Some kidney tumors aren’t cancerous. They’re usually smaller (less than 1.6 inches or 4 cm, about the size of a walnut) than cancerous tumors, and they won’t spread to other areas of your body.
Most large kidney tumors (greater than 1.6 inches) are malignant. They often grow quickly and may spread to other parts of your body.
Whether your kidney tumor is benign or malignant, getting treatment as soon as possible is a good idea.
About 75% of kidney tumors are cancerous. Smaller tumors aren’t usually aggressive.
Studies show that kidney tumors have an average growth rate of about 0.3 cm per year.
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Anyone can get a kidney tumor. However, you’re more likely to have a kidney tumor if you’re:
Cancerous kidney tumors are one of the most common cancers in the United States. About 76,000 people receive a kidney cancer diagnosis each year.
Many people don’t have any pain or notice any symptoms. A healthcare provider usually discovers a kidney tumor while conducting tests for other health conditions. If you have symptoms, they usually include:
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Healthcare providers and medical researchers don’t know the exact causes of kidney tumors. However, you may increase your likelihood of developing kidney tumors if you:
Benign kidney tumors don’t spread to other parts of your body.
Malignant kidney tumors spread from into the fat, blood vessels or adrenal gland around your kidneys. They may then spread to other areas of your body through your bloodstream or lymphatic system to form new tumors. The name of this process is metastasis.
Kidney tumors usually don’t have any symptoms, so healthcare providers often discover them during tests for other conditions. If you have symptoms, a provider will conduct a complete physical examination. They’ll also ask if you have a personal or family history of kidney tumors or cancer.
They may also order tests to help diagnose kidney cancer. These tests may include the following:
Kidney tumor treatment depends on the size of your kidney tumor and whether it’s benign or malignant. Treatment options include:
A healthcare provider may recommend active surveillance for small kidney tumors that haven’t spread to other areas of your body. The provider will pay close attention to your kidney tumor with regular screenings and imaging tests. They won’t offer treatment unless there are changes in your test results. You may get screenings or imaging tests every three months, six months or once a year while under active surveillance.
A healthcare provider may recommend surgery to remove part or all of your kidney. They may suggest several types of surgery, including:
For smaller kidney tumors, a provider may recommend ablation therapy. Ablation therapy uses extreme heat or cold to destroy tumor cells. They may recommend:
A provider may recommend radiation therapy if you have only one kidney or can’t have surgery. It uses radiation to destroy kidney tumor cells.
A provider may recommend targeted drug therapy if you can’t have surgery. They may also suggest it after surgery to help prevent cancer from returning. Drugs help prevent kidney tumor cells from growing and thriving. It may also help stop the growth of new blood vessels or limit certain proteins that help cancer grow.
Immunotherapy involves medications that help your immune system do a better job of recognizing and destroying kidney tumor cells.
Most kidney tumors develop for no apparent reason. However, the following tips may help reduce your risk of developing a kidney tumor:
Your prognosis and treatment plan depends on the size of your kidney tumor, whether it’s cancerous or noncancerous and if it has spread to other parts of your body. Your recovery also depends on your age and general health.
With early diagnosis and proper treatment, kidney tumors are curable.
A benign kidney tumor usually isn’t life-threatening. A malignant kidney tumor is most treatable if a provider discovers it before it breaks through the outer covering of your kidney and spreads.
Schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider if you develop symptoms of a kidney tumor, such as blood in your pee, pain in your flank or lower back and unexplained weight loss. They can conduct tests to determine if a kidney tumor is responsible for your symptoms.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
It can be scary and frustrating to learn that you have a kidney tumor, especially because it may be kidney cancer. Because a kidney tumor usually doesn’t have symptoms, you may not even realize you have one. However, treatment is more effective when you get an early diagnosis. A healthcare provider can explain all of your treatment options and offer additional resources. They’re also available to answer any of your questions and help you maintain a healthy outlook as you consider your treatment options.
Last reviewed on 10/21/2022.
Learn more about the Health Library and our editorial process.
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Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy