The extent of kidney cancer spreading is judged by a procedure called grading. Grading involves comparing the healthy kidney cells with the cancerous cells of kidney. The kidney cancer cells of lower grade i.e. grade 1 or grade 2 look much the same as the healthy kidney cells. Kidney cancer of grade 1 and 2 grows slowly and the patient is likely to respond well to the treatment administered. Grade 3 and grade 4 of kidney cancer are considered to be higher grades of the cancer; in these grades, the cancer cells look much different that the healthy cells in the kidney. Patients in these grades of cancer are likely to experience fast spreading of the cancer.

The staging of kidney cancer is done by checking the extent of spread of the cancer. NCI or National Cancer Institute suggests that kidney cancer can be of 4 stages; they are:

• Stage 1: In this stage the cancer stays confined within the patient’s kidney.
• Stage 2: Cancer might spread to the tissues surrounding the kidney, but does not enter the bloodstream of the patient.
• Stage 3: Cancer invades the bloodstream and lymph nodes of the patient.
• Stage 4: This one is also referred to as last stage of kidney cancer and is marked by spreading of the cancer into other organs of the patient’s body.

According to expert oncologist, staging of kidney cancer helps in deriving the accurate life expectancy of a patient.

Stage I: A person is said to be in stage I of kidney cancer when the kidney tumor is not bigger than 2.75 inches. During this stage of kidney cancer, the size of the tumor is generally similar to that of an average tennis ball. During the stage I, cancer cells stay localized within the affected kidney i.e. the cancer does not spread in other body parts of the patient.

Stage II: When the patient is in stage II, the kidney tumor becomes bigger than 2.75 inches. According to some medical experts, even though the size of the kidney tumor increases during stage II of the disease, the cancer does not move beyond the affected kidney. Some experts on the other hand state that the tumor in this stage of kidney cancer grows to reach the fatty tissues surrounding the affected kidney of the patient; but, the other body parts of the patient still stay unaffected by the cancer.

Stage III: The stage III of kidney cancer is different from the stage I of the disease in many ways. In this stage of the cancer, the cancer cells might start invading other body parts of the patient, for instance the blood stream and lymph nodes of the patient. The tumor in stage III of kidney cancer often grows to reach other organs of the patient’s body like adrenal glands.

Stage IV: The views regarding the features of stage IV kidney cancer are same according to all the major medical institutions of the world. During this stage, the kidney tumor does not only increase in size, but also starts spreading in the tissues and organs surrounding the affected kidney. The cancer cells in patients diagnosed to be suffering from stage IV kidney cancer spread to their lymph nodes and organs like liver, pancreas and lungs.

Radical Nephrectomy

The most commonly used surgery for this type of cancer is called a radical nephrectomy. In this particular surgery the entire kidney, adrenal gland and surrounding issue is completely removed leaving the individual with one good kidney. There are several surgical techniques that may be used to achieve this depending on the exact size and location of the cancer within the kidney.

The most common locations where incisions are made include the middle of the stomach, below the ribs on the side of the cancer infected kidney and the back just behind the kidneys.

Laparoscopic Nephrectomy

This type of kidney cancer surgery is becoming more and more common among physicians because it requires substantially smaller incisions. For this reason it is often referred to as keyhole surgery. Because smaller cuts are necessary there is less pain involved and the hospitalization time for this surgery as well as the recovery time are often much shorter than with a traditional nephrectomy.

Partial Nephrectomy

This is the surgery of choice when an attempt is being made to save part of the kidney. In this operation only the part of the kidney that is affected by the cancer is removed. This procedure is most often used when both kidneys have developed cancer. The technique that is used is basically the same as that used in a radical nephrectomy depending on the size and location of the tumor. This surgery is not usually considered when there is more than one tumor present in the affected kidney or when it has spread further than nearby organs.

Although there are several other operations related to kidney cancer surgery these are the ones that are most often used to treat kidney cancer. In other cases surgeries may also be performed to remove affected lymph nodes or even the adrenal glands. Each case is different based on the individual and what areas are affected and each option will be discussed with you prior to any decision being made. The earlier the kidney cancer is discovered the better the chances are of surgery being effective.

These rates are collected from large groups of individuals and are ineffective in determining what will happen in specific cases. The reason for this is because no two people are the same and may react to various treatments in very different ways. Basically what may work for one person may not work for someone else.

There are different factors used in determining a person’s kidney cancer survival rate. Three such factors include the individual’s age, health and stage of cancer. The more progressive the disease is and the longer it goes without detection the lower the survival rate is likely to be.

Survival rates are determined for different reasons and in different ways. One such reason is to help in determining the possible outcome of a person’s likeliness to survive kidney cancer. In the years 2001-2009 this rate was estimated to be an approximate 62-64% for men in general and an approximate 64-66% for women in general dependent on race. African American men appear to have a slightly lower survival rate whereas it appears that African American women may have a slightly higher rate of survival. These figures are estimates and do not reflect exact numbers of individuals surviving for this period of time.

In some cases survival rates can even be determined for a longer period of time although five year increments are the most common when calculating survival rates of different cancers including kidney cancer.

What stage of cancer is present plays a big part in determining the kidney cancer survival rate. Past determinations have shown that over 50% of kidney cancer cases were detected within the early stages and the survival rates for those cases were over 90%. In cases where the cancer had spread to other areas of the body which was just over 20% the survival rate shows at less than 10%. In still other cases approximately 5% where the stage of kidney cancer was undetermined the survival rate was estimated to be at about 30%. Once again these numbers are approximate and do not reflect an exact survival rate for that period of time.

In order to increase the chances of survival it is very important that kidney cancer be diagnosed as soon as possible. This increases the chances of successful treatment thus resulting in higher rates of survival. The sooner kidney cancer is detected the sooner treatment can begin. Some treatments may only be available to individuals in the earlier stages of kidney cancer and may not be a viable option for those in the later stages of the disease.

Because there are two types of tumors this may not lead to cancer in every situation. Benign tumors are tumors that are non cancerous and do not spread to other areas. These are generally easily removed and do not return. Malignant tumors however are cancerous and can and do spread or metastasize to other parts of the body. If not detected and treated these tumors can be life threatening.

There are four kidney cancer stages. Which stage is determined by the size and location of the tumor present as well as what other parts of the body may be affected.

In stage 1 the tumor is generally no bigger than about 7 centimeters and is limited to the area of the kidney. Typical kidney cancer treatment at this stage includes a surgery known as a nephrectomy. This means all or part of the kidney may be removed. If surgery is not possible then radiation therapy is often used instead. This is a procedure in which a small amount of radiation is injected into the bloodstream and destroys the cancerous cells.

The second of the kidney cancer stages is much like the first except that the tumor has become larger in size. This stage is also confined to the kidney area.

In the third stage the cancer may be found not only in the kidney but also in the blood vessels of the kidney and the adrenal glands which is the fatty tissue around the kidney. Cancer may also be found in nearby lymph nodes though often only one is affected at this point. The most common course of treatment for this stage is also surgery but it may be necessary not only to remove the kidney but also to remove blood vessels of the kidney as well. In some cases some lymph nodes may also be removed. Radiation therapy may be used either before or after surgery or in some cases at both times.

Stage 4 is the last of the kidney cancer stages. In this stage the cancer has spread even further and may be found in more lymph nodes as well as beyond the adrenal gland. It may have even spread to other organs such as the bowels, lungs and pancreas.

Treatment for the final kidney cancer stages may include surgery such as partial or complete kidney removal as well as other affected areas, and removal of some lymph nodes or blood vessels. In stage 4 radiation therapy may also be used before and after surgery. Another treatment that may be used in this stage is biologic therapy. This therapy is often very tiring and in most cases the individual is hospitalized during the course of this treatment.

Tumors can be either benign or malignant. Benign tumors are usually not life threatening and are fairly easy to get rid of whereas malignant tumors are much more difficult. Malignant tumors are cancerous and in some cases life threatening.

When a person is diagnosed with this disease there are several treatments available. Which kidney cancer treatment is recommended is dependent on several things including the stage of kidney cancer present, the age and general health of the individual and what areas of the kidneys are affected.

There are several tests that are used in order to determine if kidney cancer has spread to other areas of the body. This process is called staging the disease. These tests include a CT or CAT scan, MRI, Bone scan and x-rays of the chest.

A CT or Cat scan is a procedure in which a machine takes several pictures of the inside of the body from different positions. In some cases dyes may be injected into veins or swallowed orally so that organs and tissues may be seen more clearly. This procedure is also known as computerized tomography.

An MRI also known as magnetic resonance imaging is another way doctors take pictures of the inside of a person’s body. This is done with the use of a computer as well as magnets and radio waves.

A bone scan is a process in which a radioactive substance is injected into the veins and collects in the bone to determine if cancerous cells have collected in the bone. This is then detected with a scanner.

An x-ray is another way of taking pictures of the inside of the body using energy beams.

These tests help to determine which stage of kidney cancer is present and which kidney cancer treatment will be the most effective for a particular person.

The basic forms of treatment include surgery which may consist of partial or total nephrectomy which is a removal of all or part of the kidney affected. If it is necessary to remove all of both kidneys a person will have to undergo dialysis to do the work the kidneys do and eventually undergo a kidney transplant.

Radiation therapy is a treatment method where energy beams and radiation are used to destroy the damaged cells. Because it is not possible to limit this destruction to cancerous cells then healthy cells may also be destroyed.

Chemotherapy is also a treatment in which drugs are used to destroy cancer cells or prevent them from dividing.

Which kidney cancer treatment is used is dependent on the stage of the disease and may be different from one person to the next.

Kidney cancer is a type of cancer that affects the kidneys which are responsible for making urine and producing red blood cells. When cells are produced unnecessarily it can cause an over abundance of cells and this in turn can lead to the formation of tumors.

There are essentially two types of tumors. These include benign and malignant. Benign tumors usually are not cancerous and are limited to one area. In most cases these can be removed and most likely will not return. Malignant tumors are generally cancerous and can be life threatening. These tumors have the ability to spread or metastasize to other areas of the body as well as being likely to return after removal.

There are many symptoms that a person may develop that serve as the body’s way of letting a person know that there is a problem. By knowing these symptoms a person is more aware of the need to seek the advice of a professional. Some of these symptoms include constipation, blood in the urine, dark, rusty or brown urine, changes in vision and high blood pressure to name a few. Most of these symptoms can also be associated with other illnesses and diseases so if you experience any of these or others you should consider seeing your family physician.

The sooner this disease is diagnosed the better the kidney cancer prognosis will be. In many cases however kidney cancer is not discovered until later stages making it much more difficult to treat. This also causes survival rates to decrease.The earlier the disease is discovered the better the chances of survival will be.

If  kidney cancer is discovered in the early stages the chances of treatment being successful is generally at a high level.
However if it is not discovered until later stages the chances decrease significantly. With every stage that passes undetected the survival rate gets lower. This is because some treatments need to be started in the earliest stage possible with some being almost completely ineffective in the late stages of kidney cancer.

Many individuals with stage 1 kidney cancer are able to undergo treatment with a good chance at survival while those who do not receive treatment until stage 4 are much less likely to survive. It has been determined that about 25% of individuals with stage 4 kidney cancer do not survive.

Although the stage of cancer is a factor in determining a kidney cancer prognosis there are also other factors that are considered as well. Some of these factors include the age and general health of the person as well as the type of kidney cancer that has developed. Renal cell carcinoma is the most common type of kidney cancer found in adults but there are several other types as well.

The kidneys are what the body uses to produce urine. It is also responsible for making substances that help to control blood pressure as well as producing red blood cells.

Under normal circumstances cells form and separate to produce new cells as the body has a need for them. When these cells get old they die and new ones replace them. When this happens it causes new cells to grow before they are needed and prevents old ones from dying when they should. These excess cells lead to the formation of tumors.

There are two types of tumors, benign and malignant. Benign tumors are not cancerous and generally do not return once they are removed. They also do not spread to other regions of the body.

Malignant tumors are much more serious and in many cases can be life threatening. They have the ability to spread to other areas and affect any part of the body. They also have the ability to return after removal.

Although there are several types of kidney cancer the most common type found in adults is renal cell carcinoma. This is also known as RCC or hypernephroma and usually begins in the tiny tubes that filter blood and remove waste from the kidneys.

There are several kidney cancer symptoms that may present themselves in patients that develop renal cell carcinoma. Some of these symptoms include constipation, excessive hair growth in women, changes in urine making it a dark, rusty or brown color, blood in the urine, pain in the loin area, anorexia, weight loss, testicle enlargement usually on the left, anemia, elevated levels of calcium, high blood pressure, changes in vision and night sweats.

Although this is not an all conclusive list of symptoms and most can be attributed to any number of other illnesses and diseases it is important to have yourself checked if you experience any of them. Early detection is beneficial because the early this kidney cancer can be discovered the sooner treatment can begin making successful treatment more possible. In many cases if only the kidneys are affected surgery can effectively correct the problem.

Not every person will experience the same kidney cancer symptoms so it is important to notify your health care provider if you experience any of the known symptoms as well as any other unusual symptoms you may be experiencing. The sooner you know what you are dealing with the better your chances of recovery will be.

It has been noted in studies that men have a higher chance of developing this disease and African Americans have a slightly higher chance still than that of other races.

Kidneys are a pair of bean-shaped organs found in the lower abdomen in humans. The basic function of the kidney is purification of blood and helping the body in excreting waste and/or toxic products outside the body. The purification process leads to the formation of a yellowish fluid called urine having a slightly basic nature. The yellow color of the urine is due to the pigment Urinoid present in them. This urine passes through the Ureters, arising from the kidneys till the urethral orifice from where it is expelled out of the body.

There are certain factors which need to be taken in control to avoid Renal Cancer, the main ones involving.

• Excessive Smoking
• Long usage of over-the-counter medicines (without proper consultation)
• Hereditary causes like Hippel-Lindau disease or hereditary renal carcinoma.

However the above symptoms may not be visible in the starting phase, yet as the conditions approach critical phase, medical supervision should be considered in case of following symptoms:

1. Haematuria (Blood in the Urine)
2. Abdominal lump
3. Persisent pain in the side for a long time
4. Sudden unexpected weight loss
5. Anaemia

Various simple and advanced tests are available for the diagnosis of Renal Cell Cancer. Main ones among them are stated below:

• Histological Tests: These tests involve physical examination of the patient, also taking into count his general food habits and addictions (if any). These tests also determine the presence of unusual changes in the body like formation of lumps, etc.
• Haematological Studies: These involve a series of blood biochemistry studies wherein a blood sample from the patient is taken and different biochemical tests are carried out; the results of which depend upon the values obtained and its deviation from the normal optimum range. The deviation of the values might be indicative of the diseased state of the body.
• Urinanalysis: This involves testing he physical and chemical factors of the urine like its color, pH (nature of acidity or basicity) and presence of sugar, proteins, lipids, blood cells, bile salt, etc.
• Liver Function Tests: This test is one of the main indications of spread of cancerous cells in the liver. The procedure involves taking a blood sample and measuring the amount of enzymes released in the blood by the liver. Based on the blood content and amount of enzymes present, presence of cancerous cells in the liver can be estimated but not guaranteed as some non-cancerous conditions also involve release of enzymes in the liver.
• Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP): This technological technique is an X-ray technique but quite different from the normal one, which involves injecting a contrast dyes in the vein. As the dye progresses through the kidneys, urethra and the bladder, is effect can be observed by carrying out X-rays to see the effects, nature and presence of blockages in those regions.
• Ultrasound Scan: This involves developing a Sonogram. Sonogram is a medical document obtained by exposing the internal body tissues with high-energy sound waves and the echoes that are obtained when the sound waves bounce back from the tissues is recorded.
• CT scan: A computed tomography scan, also known as a Computed Axial Tomography (CAT) scan involves taking pictures of internal body areas from different angles with the help of a setup that involves coupling of a computer with an X-Ray machine. This also involves injecting/swallowing suitable dye, like IVP, to the patient which facilitates the organs o show up properly during the scan and pictures can be properly taken.
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): In this another widely used scanning technique, magnetic and radio waves are exposed on the body and the computer setup makes a series of detailed pictures of the required areas of the body.
• Biopsy: Biopsy involves physical examination of the cells or tissues after removing the samples for the same from the body of the patient. For this particular disease i.e. Renal Cell Cancer, a thin needle is inserted and tissue sample is extracted from the possible effected area.

Although treatment maybe available in the starting phase of the disease, the age/health of the patient also plays an important factor that might be of great help in increasing the Prognosis (chances of recovery) and curing the disease.