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Kidney Cancer

Overview

Overview

What is kidney cancer

Kidney cancer, also known as renal cancer, occurs when cells grow out of control, forming a tumor in one or both kidneys. A tumor can be benign (not cancerous), malignant (cancerous) or indolent (not immediately problematic). Most kidney cancers first appear in the lining of the kidney.

How common is kidney cancer

An estimated 64,000 new diagnoses of kidney cancer are projected in adults in the US this year. It is the sixth most common cancer in men, and rarely found in people under 45. 1

Questions regarding your kidney cancer therapy

You can reach the Accredo oncology care team, anytime, day or night, seven days a week.

24-hour Customer Service Center

877-732-3431

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1. https://seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/kidrp.html

Symptoms

What are the symptoms of kidney cancer

The following symptoms are common with kidney cancer:

  • Blood in the urine
  • Unusual mass or lump in the back
  • High blood pressure
  • Recurrent fever that is not from a cold, flu, or other infection
  • Loss of appetite
  • Fatigue
  • Back pain or pressure
  • Leg or ankle swelling
  • Anemia
  • Unexplained weight loss

How is it diagnosed

Kidney cancer often is found with an ultrasound or x-ray being performed for another reason. Doctors use different tests to diagnose kidney cancer. If you or your doctor suspects kidney cancer, several screenings, tests, and procedures can be used to confirm a diagnosis.

  • Physical examination
  • Blood or urine tests
  • Biopsy
  • Imaging tests:
    • X-ray
    • Bone scan
    • Computed tomography (CT or CAT scan)
    • MRI
    • Cystoscopy and nephro-uteroscopy
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Subtypes

What are the subtypes of kidney cancer

There are several types of kidney cancer:

  • Renal cell carcinoma the most common type of adult kidney cancer, and accounting for about 85% of all kidney cancer diagnoses. It begins in the renal pelvis where urine collects before moving to the bladder.
  • Sarcoma rare type of kidney cancer, developing in the soft tissue of the kidney.
  • Wilms tumor most common in children when clusters of the immature cells may form when the baby is born. The cells mature by age 3 or 4, but some may grow out of control, forming a mass.
  • Lymphoma enlarged lymph nodes can cause both kidneys to enlarge as well as other areas of the body; this is called lymphadenopathy.
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Medications

Kidney cancer

Accredo, a specialty pharmacy for kidney cancer, dispenses specialty and non-specialty kidney cancer medications including (but not limited to):

Drug Generic/Biosimilar Manufacturer
Afinitor® (everolimus) Novartis
Avastin® (bevacizumab) Genentech
Inlyta® (axitinib) Pfizer
Lenvima® (lenvatinib) Eisai
Nexavar® (sorafenib) Bayer
Opdivo® (nivolumab) BMS
Proleukin® (aldesleukin) Prometheus
Sutent® (sunitinib malate) Pfizer
Tecentriq® (atezolizumab) Genentech
Torisel® (temsirolimus) Pfizer
Votrient® (pazopanib) Novartis
Cabometyx® (cabozantinib) Exelixis

Accredo also dispenses traditional chemotherapy medications as well as supportive care medications ordered by your prescriber that are not listed above.

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Financing Your Care

Financial assistance coordination may be available to help with your medication costs, including manufacturer and community programs. Accredo representatives are available to help find a program that may work for you.

Community financial resources

Financial Guidance

Life-saving specialty medication can be expensive. Learn how the Accredo teams help individuals find ways to afford the medication they need to survive in this video.

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Meet the Team

Accredo’s oncology care team is dedicated to serving you and we understand the complexity of your condition. Our specialty-trained clinicians are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to answer any questions.

Why We Do It

Accredo supports patients with chronic and complex conditions and helps them live their best life. Watch our video to learn why we do what we do for our patients.

24-hour Customer Service Center

877-732-3431

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