What Are The Kidney Cancer Stages and How Is Each Treated?
Kidney cancer is a cancer that begins in the kidneys with the most common type being renal cell carcinoma. This disease affects the kidneys ability to properly produce and regulate the production of red blood cells. When too many red blood cells are produced it leads to the formation of tumors.
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.
