Living with Kidney medullary carcinoma
A rare kidney cancer that mostly affects young people, often first seen as blood in the urine.
Understanding Kidney medullary carcinoma
It mostly affects young people. The first sign is often blood in the urine. People may also have flank pain or a lump in the belly, usually on the right side. Having sickle cell trait is a risk factor.
Signs & symptoms
GARD doesn't list specific symptoms for this condition yet. Its summary describes these signs:
- Blood in the urine (hematuria)
- Side or back (flank) pain
- A lump in the belly, usually on the right side
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include cancer specialists and kidney specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
- 4Connect with expert centers
Kidney Cancer Association may keep lists of experts for this condition.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Cancer specialists (oncologists); Kidney specialists (nephrologists)
- Expert care
- Expert lists: Kidney Cancer Association
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with Kidney Cancer Association and other patient organizations
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
GARD doesn't describe a cause for this condition yet. Having sickle cell trait is a risk factor.
Also known as: carcinoma of renal medulla; renal medulla carcinoma; renal medullary carcinoma
Patient organizations
- Kidney Cancer AssociationKidney medullary carcinoma · United States
- KCCureKidney medullary carcinoma · United States
- National Kidney FoundationKidney diseases · United States
- Renal Support NetworkKidney diseases · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Kidney medullary carcinoma.
Explore research for Kidney medullary carcinoma
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- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
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- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.
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