WHAT IS ccRCC?
Clear cell renal cell carcinoma, or ccRCC, is a common and aggressive form of kidney cancer. It is named “clear cell” because the tumor cells look like clear bubbles when viewed under a microscope.1
ccRCC rarely causes symptoms in its early stages. It is often found when an imaging scan is performed for a different condition like kidney stones.1
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Who is at risk for ccRCC?
ccRCC can affect anyone, regardless of their age, race, or gender. However, men are twice as likely to develop it than women, and people aged 50 to 70 years are most commonly affected.1
Risk factors that can increase a person's chances of developing ccRCC include:
Having a family history of renal cell carcinoma increases your risk of kidney cancer. Some genetic conditions may also increase a person’s risk of ccRCC, such as Von Hippel-Lindau disease (pronounced vohn hip-el lin-dow) and tuberous sclerosis complex (pronounced too-bur-us skler-oh-sis).1
Living with kidney cancer
If you are diagnosed with kidney cancer, it is normal to feel anxious. You may have trouble sleeping or find yourself thinking about your diagnosis a lot. You might also feel angry or sad.3
It is important to talk with your health care team about how you are feeling, both physically and emotionally, because they can help you with coping strategies and offer more resources.3
Support groups are another way to meet people going through the same experience. During these meetings, people share what they have learned about dealing with cancer and the effects of treatment.4
Remember, each person copes differently. What works for one person may not work for another.3
Improvements in kidney tumor identification
Currently, biopsy or surgery is required to confirm if a kidney mass is ccRCC.1 A new, noninvasive way to identify ccRCC, called a CAIX-PET scan, may soon be available. This type of scan could help more people be diagnosed sooner, more accurately, and potentially without the need for surgery—all of which may help improve treatment outcomes.5
