Renal cell carcinoma: ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up

Abstract

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) accounts for 2%–3% of all adult malignancies, representing the seventh most common cancer in men and the ninth most common cancer in women [1]. Worldwide, there are ∼209 000 new cases and 102 000 deaths per year. The incidence of all stages of RCC has increased over the past several years, contributing to a steadily increasing mortality rate per unit population. Active and passive cigarette smoking is an established risk factor for RCC as well as hypertension. However, anti-hypertensive medications such as diuretics are not independently associated with RCC development. RCC also appears to be more common in patients with obesity, end-stage renal failure, acquired renal cystic disease and tuberous sclerosis.