A diagnosis of kidney cancer usually means that a mass in the kidney has been found. When this mass is small, it may not be detected with regular examinations or imaging tests. The risk of it spreading to distant areas is small, however. This is why active surveillance may be recommended for some patients, particularly those who are elderly or don’t have other health problems. If the mass grows quickly or is nearing the 3cm threshold, serial imaging may be recommended. The decision to place a patient on active surveillance will always be based on the individual case of each patient.
Treatment for stage 1 kidney cancer consists of removal of the tumor. Surgery may be an option. In advanced stages, targeted therapies and immunotherapy drugs are used instead of surgery. Radiation therapy and chemotherapy have less impact than surgery. Treatments for stage 1 and stage 2 kidney cancer will depend on the stage of the disease, the location of the tumor, and other factors. When choosing a treatment, your doctor will consider the stage of the tumor, your overall health, and the tumor’s size.
The average survival rate for kidney cancer is about 5 years, but you need to keep in mind that these statistics don’t account for causes of death. Moreover, survival rates may be much higher than 5 years for some patients. Earlier diagnosis of kidney cancer improves the outlook for patients. This condition has become more common in people over 50, and men are more prone to developing the disease than women. While there are no cures for kidney cancer, early detection and treatment are essential in improving your chances of survival.
Besides surgery, doctors also use targeted drug therapy for advanced kidney cancer. This form of therapy involves injecting drugs to the tumour that inhibit its growth. The drugs are injected through a catheter that is inserted into the main blood vessel supplying the kidney. The gelatin sponge prevents the cancer cells from growing inside the organ. It is an effective treatment for stage IV kidney cancer. It may be considered a last resort for patients. If targeted therapies are not an option, a combination of surgery and immunotherapy may be the right choice.
When possible, a partial nephrectomy is preferred. The partial nephrectomy provides the highest amount of normal kidney function after the surgery. The surgeon will determine the best method for removing the kidney. These options may not be suitable for all patients, though. The type of surgery required depends on the type of cancer. You can consult with your doctor if you have any questions or are concerned about your condition.
Advanced kidney cancer is characterized by a number of characteristics. Having a gene mutation for the disease is an additional risk factor. Having a kidney tumor that expresses the mutated VHL gene is considered to increase the risk of the disease. Therefore, it is crucial to choose a treatment according to your personal medical history and the stage of your cancer. The treatment will depend on the extent of the tumor and its location.
