It is a cancer that originates in the cells of proximal convoluted tubules which is lined by ciliated columnar epithelium. These tubules are helpful in the removal of waste products and reabsorbing the useful content from the filtrate. Its survival rate is low and it is the most common cancer among kidney cancers. The affected kidney has a distorted morphology. It has a multi lobular tumour in the renal cortex (a part in the kidney) yellowish in colour. Some substances like renin can release from the tumour cells as they function like normal kidney cells and may cause hypertension. These cells can also release erythropoietin that can cause increase in the red cell count. This is more common in men than women.

There are certain factors that can cause renal cell carcinoma. But a most common cause includes:

• Genetic factor which can cause this like RCCp3, RCC17, etc.
• Hypertension
• Family history of diseases like papillary renal cancer, leiomyoma RCC
• Syndrome (leiomyoma is the tumour of smooth muscle cells)
• Certain compounds like polycyclic hydrocarbon, gasoline, etc.

The best way to avoid renal cell cancer, and many other cancers, is not to smoke. Eating a healthy, balanced diet and maintaining a healthy weight also reduce the risk of cancer.