The kidneys are an essential part of our urinary system. We have two kidneys, and they are located on either side of the spine in our lower back. They are about the size of a fist and bean shaped.
The primary function of the kidney is to filter waste from our blood. About 50 gallons of blood enter our kidneys every day. They also process approximately two quarts of extra water and waste products. The waste and extra water is turned into urine. The urine then travels down tubes, called ureters, and is stored in the bladder until excretion (urination).
Like other organs in our bodies, the kidneys are vulnerable to infection and disease, including cancer. There are several types of cancer that can develop in the kidney, but renal cell carcinoma is by far the most prevalent. It is estimated that 9 of 10 cases of kidney cancer are renal cell carcinomas. Other types of kidney cancer, although much less commonly, include:
The primary function of the kidney is to filter waste from our blood. About 50 gallons of blood enter our kidneys every day. They also process approximately two quarts of extra water and waste products. The waste and extra water is turned into urine. The urine then travels down tubes, called ureters, and is stored in the bladder until excretion (urination).
Like other organs in our bodies, the kidneys are vulnerable to infection and disease, including cancer. There are several types of cancer that can develop in the kidney, but renal cell carcinoma is by far the most prevalent. It is estimated that 9 of 10 cases of kidney cancer are renal cell carcinomas. Other types of kidney cancer, although much less commonly, include:
- transitional cell carcinoma
- Wilms' Tumor
- renal sarcoma
