Understanding Kidney Cancer Types & Stages
What are stage, histology and grade of kidney cancer?
After an initial diagnosis, your doctors will use imaging and/or surgical techniques to determine the tumor’s extent of growth (stage), cell type (histology), and how much the cells have mutated from healthy kidney tissue (grade). These features help inform subsequent treatment decisions.
Stages of Kidney Cancer*
STAGE 1
The cancer is only within the kidney and has not spread. The cancer is less than 7 cm in size. If the cancer can be removed it is most likely to be cured with surgery. 9 out of 10 people will be alive and free of the cancer at five years after an operation.
STAGE 2
The cancer is larger than 7 cm but is still confined to the kidney and has not spread outside of the kidney. Surgery is a good treatment option. The five year survival rate is still very high after surgery for stage 2 kidney cancer.
STAGE 3
The kidney cancer has moved nearby outside the kidney, but has not spread to distant organs. For example, the cancer might have spread into the fat around the kidney, into the blood vessel coming out of the kidney, or into lymph nodes near the kidney. Ask your doctor about all treatment options and clinical trials.
STAGE 4
The kidney cancer has spread widely outside the kidney; to the abdominal cavity, to the adrenal glands, to distant lymph nodes or to other organs, such as the lungs, liver, bones, or brain. Ask your doctor about all treatment options and clinical trials.
*This information is reproduced with thanks to the IKCC.
Click to view and download the handout Types of Kidney Cancer from IKCC which gives you the basics on how your testing may guide your care plan.
Kidney cancer substaging:
TNM system
The stage of your disease specifies the tumor size (T), nearby lymph node involvement (N), and spread to distant sites (M). Click on the image to view this video to help you learn the language and better understand what treatment recommendations are being made for you and why.
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.