Kidney cancer, also known as renal cell carcinoma (RCC), is one of the most common types of cancer and can be very curable when detected early and treated appropriately. The five-year relative survival rate for patients diagnosed with localized kidney cancer is about 93%, while for those with regional cancer (spread to regional lymph nodes) the five-year survival rate is about 71%.
The prognosis for kidney cancer depends on a number of factors, including the stage of the cancer (how far it has spread), the patient’s age and overall health, and the type of tumor. The two most common types of kidney cancer are clear cell carcinoma (the most common type) and papillary carcinoma. Clear cell carcinoma is more likely to spread and is more difficult to treat than papillary carcinoma.
Early diagnosis of kidney cancer is key to successful treatment and can be achieved through regular check-ups, ultrasound imaging, and/or CT scans. Treatment options include surgery to remove the tumor, medications to shrink the tumor, radiation therapy, and targeted therapies. Surgery to remove the tumor is the most common treatment for localized kidney cancer. In some cases, a complete nephrectomy, where the entire kidney is removed, may be necessary.
Overall, kidney cancer is very treatable and curable when detected early. Early diagnosis is key to successful treatment and can be achieved through regular check-ups and imaging tests. Once the cancer is diagnosed, treatment options such as surgery, medications, radiation, and targeted therapies can be used to treat the cancer. With the right treatment, kidney cancer can be cured and the patient can return to a healthy life.