Basic Things You Must Know About Kidney Cancer

Posted by admin | Thursday, Feb. 5th 2009

The most common type of Kidney Cancer is called Renal Cell Carcinoma. 31,000 new cases are detected in the US each year of which 12,000 deaths occur. Kidney Cancer is most common in men over the age of 55.

Overall prognosis depends on the grade and the stage of the cancer and also on the overall performance status of the individual at the time of diagnosis and treatment. This is important because a poor overall performance means symptoms like fever, weight loss and extreme tiredness that inhibit treatment. Those who don’t have such symptoms have a better prognosis.

The overall kidney cancer survival rates are 44% for 5 years and 40% for 10 years. 25% of patients are diagnosed while at stage 4 of the disease and when this happens barely 10% make it to 5 years. However, it must be noted that even at this stage if the cancerous tumor is of a low grade and is localized, the kidney cancer survival rate can be as high as 40%.

Generally, if the cancer is at stage 1 at diagnosis, the prognosis is good because a complete surgical resection of the cancerous growth is possible. At stage 2, the survival rate for 5 years is 65 – 75%. At stage 3 the kidney cancer survival rate begins to diminish because the cancer would have spread to the nearby lymph nodes, the survival rate drops to 40 – 70% for 5 years.  At stage 4, if the cancer has metastasized  to the other organs of the body, the overall 5 year survival rate is barely 5%, but if it has not metastasized, the survival rate can be higher.

Kidney cancer survival rates are also specified based on the size of the tumors. If the tumors are less than 4 cms, the survival rates are as high as 90-95%. Larger tumors allow a survival rate of 80-85%. Thereafter, if the cancer has spread, the survival rates diminish to 5-15%.

Surgery is the general treatment if resection is possible. Kidney Cancer is resistant to Chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Kidney tumors have a tendency to reoccur after surgery. If they do, the prognosis is very poor.

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13 Comments on “ Kidney Cancer Survival Rates ”

  1. Cancer Survival Rates: Basic Things You Must Know About Kidney Cancer Says:
    August 26th, 2009 at 11:14 am

    [...] Kidney Cancer Survival Rates [...]

  2. hath Says:
    November 26th, 2009 at 1:36 pm

    Hi all,

    My mom had a radical nephrectomy on her left kidney 5 years ago. Now,she had another surgey (Partial Nephrectomy) and Dr. removed part of her right kidney(about 10% he said) with tumor. diagnosed as Renal cell Carcinoma stage III.The previous staging was II.how ever in pathalogy test it’s mentioned that the tumor breaches to the hilar fat of kidney! but no invasion to any organ and it was clear cell carcinoma. I don’t know why they staged it III while it’s not metastased to any organ! anyways, she is very weak after suregry …Does any body know that how long is the chance of survival in this case(recuurence of RCC)?

    any help and similar experience would be appreciated to share…

    Thanks
    hath2004

  3. Crystal Cheaves Says:
    December 15th, 2009 at 5:41 pm

    My brother has been diagnosed with cancer on his tail bone, he had one kidney removed four years ago. They have put him on stuten – are you familiar with this? Do people have good results with the tumors shrinking? What is his life expectancy?

    Please help us , it is so hard not knowing anything about this disease….

    SWad in Florida.

    Crystal

  4. Crystal Cheaves Says:
    December 15th, 2009 at 5:43 pm

    I forgot to ask, do your recommend any sites that have information on this – I have searched the we and have been unable to find answers. Thanking you in advance for you help.

    My brother has been diagnosed with cancer on his tail bone, he had one kidney removed four years ago. They have put him on stuten – are you familiar with this? Do people have good results with the tumors shrinking? What is his life expectancy?

    Please help us , it is so hard not knowing anything about this disease….

    Sad in Florida.

    Crystal

  5. Lisa Says:
    February 4th, 2010 at 12:21 am

    Hi, I had a small stage 1 renal cell carcinoma2 1/2 years ago with a partial nephrectomy and was doing fine. Just had routine check up and found out that my other cancer has a probably stage 1 renal cell carcinoma. I am having surgery but have not been able to find out..If a second kidney cancer occurs within the “5 year” time frame, what are survival rates?

  6. delila Says:
    April 21st, 2010 at 12:53 am

    I am wanting to know what the survial rate would be for a patient that found out that they are in Stage 4 of Kidney cancer and the masses are in her pelvic region, both her lungs and both kidneys? Not only that, but the mass in her pelvic region is eating away at her bone. How much time does she have if she is that far into the cancer? Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

  7. Rhonda Says:
    May 6th, 2010 at 3:04 am

    My father was diagnosed at age 50 with kidney cancer and died 8 months later. At what age should I get screened for kidney cancer?

  8. Debra Says:
    May 22nd, 2010 at 1:57 pm

    My mother , 78 yrs old, has been diagnosed with Kidney cancer. It has spread to the nodes. She also has a benign tumor on the tail of her pancreas. She has lost quite a bit of weight. Other than that, all of her blood work is good. She has no pain, and feels good. Her liver is good and her bile duct has not been affected.
    A surgeon said that even if they took out the Kidney, it would not cure her. Any hope?

  9. mike Says:
    June 11th, 2010 at 2:17 am

    I was diagnosed with stage 2 kidney cancer 6 mos ago. kidney was removed. Whats the survival rate for stage 2 (removed)

  10. Gary Says:
    June 14th, 2010 at 7:21 pm

    I was diagnosed stage IV 4 years ago. I had a 4 cm tumor on my right kidney that metastasized to my left Femur. My right kidney was removed and I underwent radiation on my left leg. I have been on Sutent for the full 4 years reducing the doseage over time. I am currently tumor free as far as any scan can tell. Never lose hope.

  11. aida Says:
    June 18th, 2010 at 9:13 am

    I used to be stage 3, left kidney removed In Oct2009, dec Iam clear, my recent Scan shows metatases on my abdomen 4cm, on my lungs and on my brain. Iam currently on SUTENT 50 mg. Just had a radiosurgery. how much longer is my survial rate

  12. Kate Says:
    July 9th, 2010 at 3:49 pm

    Diagnosed with Kidney cancer that has moved to a mass on the spine. Kidney removal not possible. Radiation treatments will start everyday next week. I’m only being told pieces, as this is a friend. Any ideas about how much time my firend might have?

  13. louzianna Says:
    July 22nd, 2010 at 5:49 am

    Back in 2006 they removed my mothers right kidney due to a mass on it. The report said (which I just read this year) renal cell carcinoma but no tumors. But recently, Feb 2010, she had difficulty breathing and we had tests done. My mother has been diagnosed with stage 4 kidney cancer. they also say she had fluid in her lungs, twice so far, which was drained. Her hernia has returned and is growing.She is always tired, loosing lots of weight and loss of appetite. Does anyone have any positive insight or maybe time line? I really want her to stay around forever but am prepared for the worst.

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