Understanding Your Kidney Cancer Diagnosis
A kidney cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. The first step is understanding your diagnosis. We’ve collected resources here to help you take the first steps.
The first days following a diagnosis are a difficult time. This video provides introductory information about your initial appointments to help you prepare. Further below, you’ll find resources with basic information, as well as links and brochures with more depth.
You’ll find printouts to take with you to doctor’s appointments, as well as video conversations that feature both doctors and patients.
Printed notes are available – VIEW PAGE.
These short, informative videos will help you understand more about your kidney cancer diagnosis and the next steps moving forward.
What is a Renal Mass?
This patient education video is from the Urology Care Foundation.
What are the Surgical Options?
Learn about the surgical options for kidney cancer. This will help you get the most out of your consultation with the urologist and the urologic surgeon.
Presented by the National Kidney Foundation
Patient Perspectives: Discussing the Diagnosis
You’re told you have kidney cancer – now what? Join two kidney cancer patients as they talk with urologic oncologist Michael Palese about the process of getting care after a diagnosis in the video below.
Kidney Cancer Basics
Learn the fundamentals of kidney cancer, including its types, stages, and key terms. Explore trusted, easy-to-understand resources to help you understand your diagnosis and make informed decisions about your care.
Learn more >
Rare Kidney Cancer Subtypes
Some kidney cancers are less common but equally important to understand. Explore the different rare subtypes, how they’re diagnosed and treated, and where to find trusted information, specialists, and supportive care resources.
Learn more >
Kidney Cancer Basics
Learn the fundamentals of kidney cancer, including its types, stages, and key terms. Explore trusted, easy-to-understand resources to help you understand your diagnosis and make informed decisions about your care.
Learn more >
Rare Kidney Cancer Subtypes
Some kidney cancers are less common but equally important to understand. Explore the different rare subtypes, how they’re diagnosed and treated, and where to find trusted information, specialists, and supportive care resources.
Learn more >
Understanding Kidney Cancer Types & Stages
Learning about your cancer’s type and stage helps you understand how it behaves and what treatments may be most effective. Staging describes how far the cancer has grown or spread, while type identifies the specific cell pattern involved.
Learn more >
Decoding your Pathology Report
Your pathology report explains important details about your kidney tumor, such as its type, grade, and other features that will guide treatment choices. Understanding this information helps you to discuss the next steps clearly with your care team.
Learn more >
Understanding Kidney Cancer Types & Stages
Learning about your cancer’s type and stage helps you understand how it behaves and what treatments may be most effective. Staging describes how far the cancer has grown or spread, while type identifies the specific cell pattern involved.
Learn more >
Decoding your Pathology Report
Your pathology report explains important details about your kidney tumor, such as its type, grade, and other features that guide treatment choices. Understanding this information helps you discuss next steps clearly with your care team.
Learn more >
Connect with Our Communities
There are multiple support groups serving the kidney cancer community. SmartPatients.com is a patient forum and a KidneyCAN partner. We recommend this as a private, moderated place to talk with other patients. Your cancer center may also have their own support groups.