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.

 

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Cancer Research U.K. CC BY-SA 4

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