Urology Cancers: All about bladder, kidney, prostate, and Cancers

Kidney cancer can be overwhelming, especially when you’re searching for answers you can understand. This page lists all the questions about kidney cancer that have been answered on this site — clearly, and in simple everyday language. Whether you are newly diagnosed, supporting a loved one, or just curious, these articles are written to help you make sense of what is happening, one question at a time. New posts are added regularly. Each one is based on real questions people ask and explained without medical jargon. To read more, simply click on any of the titles below. Articles in This Series What is Kidney Cancer? How Common Is Kidney Cancer? What Causes Kidney Cancer? Is Kidney Cancer the Same as Renal Cell Carcinoma? Can You Live With One Kidney If the Other Has Cancer? Can Kidney Cancer Spread to Other Organs? What Is the Survival Rate for Kidney Cancer? Is Kidney Cancer Curable If Caught Early? Can Kidney Cancer Go Away on Its Own? Who Is at Risk of Developing Kidney Cancer? Does ...

Stage 4 kidney cancer is the most advanced stage. It means the cancer has either: Spread to distant organs such as the lungs, bones, liver, or brain, or Extensively invaded surrounding tissues and multiple lymph nodes near the kidney. This stage is also referred to as metastatic kidney cancer when distant spread is involved. At stage 4, symptoms are often more pronounced and may include: Blood in the urine Pain or pressure in the side or lower back A lump or swelling in the abdomen Fatigue Unexplained weight loss Persistent cough or bone pain, if the cancer has spread Diagnosis is confirmed through imaging tests such as CT scans, MRIs, or bone scans, which help determine the extent of spread. A biopsy may also be performed to confirm the cancer type, especially when it has spread to distant sites. Treatment for Stage 4 Kidney Cancer Stage 4 is generally not curable, but it is often treatable. The main goals are to: Slow the growth of cancer Reduce symptoms Prolong survival Improve qual...

Stage 3 kidney cancer means the cancer has grown beyond the kidney but has not spread to distant organs. It may have extended into major blood vessels, the fat surrounding the kidney, or nearby lymph nodes, but it is still considered regional, not metastatic. There are two main ways kidney cancer qualifies as stage 3: The tumor has grown into large veins near the kidney (such as the renal vein or the inferior vena cava) or into surrounding tissue, but not beyond Gerota’s fascia (the outer lining of the kidney). Or, the cancer has spread to a nearby lymph node, even if the tumor is still confined to the kidney. Symptoms may be more noticeable at this stage and can include: Blood in the urine Flank or back pain A visible or felt lump in the side or abdomen Fatigue or weight loss Diagnosis typically involves a CT scan or MRI, which shows the tumor’s size, spread to nearby tissues, and lymph node involvement. A biopsy may also be used in some cases. Treatment for stage 3 kidney cancer usua...

Stage 2 kidney cancer means the tumor is larger than 7 cm (about 2.8 inches) but is still confined to the kidney. It has not spread to lymph nodes, blood vessels outside the kidney, or distant organs. Although the tumor is bigger than in stage 1, it is still considered localized, which means the cancer has not moved beyond the kidney itself. This stage is less common than stage 1 but still offers a very good chance of successful treatment, especially if diagnosed early. Most stage 2 kidney cancers do not cause noticeable symptoms. However, some people may experience: Blood in the urine Pain or a dull ache in the side or lower back A lump or swelling in the abdomen Diagnosis is usually made through imaging tests such as CT scans or MRIs, often done to investigate symptoms or during tests for other medical issues. Treatment for stage 2 kidney cancer almost always involves surgery. The most common options are: Radical nephrectomy – removal of the entire kidney, often used when the tumor i...

Stage 1 kidney cancer means the tumor is small and limited to the kidney, without any signs of spread to nearby tissues, lymph nodes, or distant organs. This is the earliest and most treatable stage of kidney cancer. To be classified as stage 1: The tumor must be 7 cm (about 2.7 inches) or smaller in its largest dimension. The cancer must be completely contained within the kidney. At this stage, the tumor often causes no symptoms and is frequently discovered by accident during imaging tests done for unrelated reasons. If symptoms do occur, they may include blood in the urine or a mild ache in the side, but most stage 1 tumors are asymptomatic. Treatment typically involves surgical removal of the tumor. This can be done through: Partial nephrectomy (removal of the tumor and part of the kidney) Radical nephrectomy (removal of the entire kidney) The choice of surgery depends on the tumor’s size, location, and the health of the remaining kidney. In some cases, especially for older adults o...

Wilms tumor, also known as nephroblastoma, is a type of kidney cancer that occurs in children. It is the most common kidney cancer in children, usually diagnosed before the age of 5, and is extremely rare in adults. Wilms tumor develops from immature kidney cells that fail to develop properly during fetal growth. It typically affects only one kidney, but in about 5% to 10% of cases, tumors can occur in both kidneys. Most children with Wilms tumor are otherwise healthy, and the cause is usually not inherited. However, a small number of cases are associated with genetic syndromes or birth defects such as: WAGR syndrome Beckwith–Wiedemann syndrome Denys–Drash syndrome The most common symptom is a painless swelling or lump in the abdomen, often discovered by a parent or during a routine checkup. Other symptoms may include: Abdominal pain Blood in the urine Fever Nausea or poor appetite High blood pressure Diagnosis typically involves ultrasound, CT scans, and blood and urine tests. A biops...

Chromophobe renal cell carcinoma (chRCC) is a rare type of kidney cancer, making up about 5% of all adult kidney cancers. It tends to grow more slowly than other types, and in many cases, it has a better prognosis, especially when found early. The term “chromophobe” comes from how the cells appear under a microscope—they don’t absorb certain dyes easily, which makes them look pale or transparent in lab tests. Chromophobe RCC begins in the cells lining the collecting ducts of the kidney, which are responsible for concentrating urine. It is usually found in only one kidney and is typically diagnosed between the ages of 40 and 60, though it can occur earlier or later. Most people with chromophobe RCC do not have symptoms in the early stages. When symptoms do appear, they may include: Blood in the urine A lump in the abdomen or side Persistent back or flank pain Chromophobe RCC can occur sporadically or, in rare cases, as part of a genetic condition such as Birt–Hogg–Dubé syndrome, which a...