American Board of Pathology (ABPath) Practice Test 2026 - Free Pathology Exam Practice Questions and Study Guide

Patients in renal failure indeed have an increased risk of developing renal cell carcinoma. This association is primarily due to several factors related to chronic kidney disease (CKD). In renal failure, particularly when it is chronic, there are alterations in metabolic processes that can lead to the accumulation of carcinogenic substances. Additionally, patients with end-stage renal disease often undergo dialysis, which has been linked to higher rates of various cancers, including renal cell carcinoma.

The immune system is also compromised in individuals with renal failure, which may further predispose them to carcinogenesis. Furthermore, the presence of certain comorbidities often associated with renal failure, such as hypertension and obesity, can also contribute to the increased incidence of renal malignancies.

Thus, the assertion that patients in renal failure have an increased risk of renal cell carcinoma is supported by clinical observations and research in the field of oncology and nephrology.