Overview
Stage 4 Kidney Cancer is cancer that has typically spread from the kidney to your lymph nodes or to other areas of your body.
Understanding your Stage 4 Kidney Cancer diagnosis will help you partner with your doctors to make the best treatment choice for you. Tap “Watch Now” for an easy-to-understand overview of Stage 4 Kidney Cancer.
- Stage 4 Kidney Cancer
Overview
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In Stage 4 Kidney Cancer, one of the following has been found:
1. The Cancer has spread beyond the layer of fatty tissue around your kidney, called Gerota’s fascia, or it may have spread to your adrenal gland seen here in yellow above the kidneys,
or
2. The Cancer has spread to other parts of your body, such as the bones, liver, lungs, brain, adrenal glands, or distant lymph nodes. This is called a secondary cancer.
What Tests Will I Need and Why?
Urine, Blood and Imaging tests are done to understand your general health, confirm your diagnosis and determine your cancer stage.
A test called a Biopsy is also typically done. This test looks at sample cells taken from your tumor to help identify your specific cancer cell type, which is critical to finding the best treatment option for you.
In addition to the biopsy, for Stage 4 Kidney Cancer, your doctors will identify your Risk Group to help determine the best treatment option for you as well as your prognosis. The Risk Groups include: Low Risk, Intermediate Risk and High Risk. To assign a Risk Group, additional blood tests may be performed to look for anemia, high white blood cell counts, high calcium levels, among others indicators.
Re-read this summary as needed and then tap, “Compare My Treatment Options Now“. Our unique Comparison Page will help you understand your FDA-approved treatment options including, who can help you pay for your treatment, where and how each is given and what side-effects you may experience.
Cancer Research U.K. CC BY-SA 4
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Commonly Searched Questions
Stage 4 Kidney Cancer Prevention
Specific prevention strategies for Stage 4 kidney cancer are not applicable as it is an advanced stage where cancer has spread beyond the kidneys. However, general strategies to help reduce the risk of developing kidney cancer include:
• Maintain a Healthy Weight: Obesity is a known risk factor.
• Quit Smoking: Smoking significantly increases kidney cancer risk.
• Manage High Blood Pressure: Effective control of hypertension can lower risk.
• Adopt a Healthy Diet: Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and limit red and processed meats.
• Exercise Regularly: Engage in regular physical activity.
• Limit Exposure to Harmful Chemicals: Follow safety guidelines if exposed to chemicals linked to cancer risk.
These measures focus on reducing the overall risk of developing kidney cancer and supporting early detection. For tailored advice, consult a healthcare provider.
Source: Cancer.org
Stage 4 kidney Survival Rate
According to SEER data, Stage 4 kidney cancer has a survival rate of 15.3%. For example, if the 5-year relative survival rate for a specific stage of kidney cancer is 15.3%, it means that patients who have that cancer are, on average, about 15.3% as likely as patients who don’t have that cancer to live for at least 5 years after being diagnosed.
Source: Cancer.gov
Stage 4 Kidney Cancer Symptoms
Early kidney cancers usually do not cause any signs or symptoms. As the tumor grows larger, symptoms may appear. You may have one or more of these kidney cancer symptoms:
- Blood in your urine
- A lump in your side or abdomen
- A loss of appetite
- A pain in your side that doesn’t go away
- Weight loss that occurs for no known reason
- Fever that lasts for weeks and isn’t caused by a cold or other infection
Kidney cancer that spreads to other parts of your body may cause other symptoms, such as:
- Shortness of breath
- Coughing up blood
- Bone pain
Source: Cancer.org
Stage 4 Kidney Cancer Treatment
Stage 4 kidney Cancer treatment usually involves immunotherapy or targeted therapy. Now click here to Compare Your Latest Treatment Options.
Source: Cancer.org
Stage 4 Kidney Cancer Definition
Stage 4 kidney cancer is the most advanced stage of the disease. At this stage, the cancer has spread beyond the kidney and surrounding tissues to distant parts of the body. This can include metastasis to distant organs such as the lungs, liver, or bones. The cancer may also have spread to distant lymph nodes. Stage 4 kidney cancer is characterized by significant progression and dissemination of the disease, making treatment more complex and typically requiring a combination of therapies to manage the cancer and improve the patient’s quality of life.
Source: Cancer.org
Stage 4 Kidney Cancer Recurrence Rate
Stage 4 kidney cancer has a high risk of recurrence due to its advanced nature and the likelihood that the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. The exact recurrence rate can vary depending on several factors, including the specific characteristics of the tumor, the treatments used, and individual patient factors. For a detailed and personalized assessment, it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional who can provide information tailored to a specific case.
Source: Cancer.org
