Will there be metastasis after kidney cancer removal?

Written by Wang Jian
Urology
Updated on January 20, 2025
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Currently, all malignancies tend to metastasize. Renal cancer is a common malignant tumor of the kidney in the urinary system. Generally, patients might not exhibit any symptoms in the early stages. The most common symptoms are usually back pain and hematuria, and some patients are diagnosed due to an abdominal mass. The primary treatment for renal cancer is surgical intervention, which is considered the preferred method and is believed to be potentially curative. For patients with stage I, II, III, and IV renal cancer, the survival rates decrease progressively. Patients with stage I and II renal cancer should have follow-ups every three to six months for three consecutive years after surgery, and then annually. Patients with stage III and IV renal cancer should have follow-ups every three months for two years post-treatment, then monthly in the third year, and annually thereafter. Early detection of metastasis is crucial for timely treatment. Therefore, even after nephrectomy, renal cancer might recur, and regular follow-ups are essential.

Other Voices

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Written by Yan Chun
Oncology
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Does kidney cancer affect the renal calyx?

Kidney cancer lesions can sometimes affect the renal calyces. This is because kidney cancer is a malignant disease characterized by invasion and metastasis. When the lesions from kidney cancer invade the surrounding renal tissues, this can impact the function of the renal calyces. Some patients may experience toxic side effects from chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and other related antitumor treatments for kidney cancer, which can also affect the renal calyces. In summary, the lesions from kidney cancer and related antitumor treatments can potentially affect and even lead to clinical manifestations of kidney damage, including complications such as hydronephrosis. Once the kidney cancer lesions affect the renal calyces, this can result in sequelae such as renal failure.

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Written by Zeng Zhong
Urology
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Is the recurrence rate of kidney cancer high?

Kidney cancer is associated with a certain recurrence rate. If a patient undergoes partial nephrectomy for kidney cancer, it is crucial to schedule regular follow-ups at the hospital to monitor the renal pelvis and check if the cancer has recurred. If the patient has undergone radical nephrectomy, where the affected kidney is entirely removed, it is important to regularly observe the surrounding tissues and distant organ tissues for any signs of tumor metastasis.

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Written by Wang Jian
Urology
1min 11sec home-news-image

Will there be metastasis after kidney cancer removal?

Currently, all malignancies tend to metastasize. Renal cancer is a common malignant tumor of the kidney in the urinary system. Generally, patients might not exhibit any symptoms in the early stages. The most common symptoms are usually back pain and hematuria, and some patients are diagnosed due to an abdominal mass. The primary treatment for renal cancer is surgical intervention, which is considered the preferred method and is believed to be potentially curative. For patients with stage I, II, III, and IV renal cancer, the survival rates decrease progressively. Patients with stage I and II renal cancer should have follow-ups every three to six months for three consecutive years after surgery, and then annually. Patients with stage III and IV renal cancer should have follow-ups every three months for two years post-treatment, then monthly in the third year, and annually thereafter. Early detection of metastasis is crucial for timely treatment. Therefore, even after nephrectomy, renal cancer might recur, and regular follow-ups are essential.

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Written by Zou De Bo
Urology
1min 13sec home-news-image

Difference between Renal Cancer and Renal Pelvis Cancer

First, the sites of the disease are different; renal pelvis cancer usually occurs in the epithelium of the renal pelvis or calyces, while renal cancer typically originates from the epithelial cells of the renal tubules. Second, the presentations are different; hematuria is a common symptom of both renal pelvis cancer and renal cancer. However, in renal pelvis cancer, hematuria can occur early, while in renal cancer, hematuria may not be seen until the tumor has invaded the renal pelvis or calyces. Third, the diagnostic tests are different; the clinical diagnosis of renal cancer heavily relies on CT scans, whereas renal pelvis cancer primarily depends on excretory or retrograde urography, that is, CT urography. Fourth, the CT appearances are different; on CT scans, renal cancer typically shows as a multicystic lesion with more pronounced enhancement during contrast than that seen in renal pelvis cancer. Fifth, the results of cytological examinations are different; cytology of renal pelvis cancer may show positive tumor cells, but renal cancer might test negative.

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Written by Zhou Qi
Nephrology
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Is kidney cancer the same as uremia?

Kidney cancer and uremia are two completely different concepts. Kidney cancer refers to the presence of a malignant tumor, which is a malignant lesion in kidney-type tissues. Certain cells in the kidney are in a state of limitless proliferation, continuously replicating to form kidney-like masses, and may cause hematuria, or even squeeze kidney tissues affecting their function. Uremia, on the other hand, refers to long-term chronic damage to the kidneys from various diseases, leading to the destruction of over 90% of kidney tissue, rendering the kidneys unable to excrete metabolic waste. This results in azotemia, electrolyte disorders, and other complications, a state known as uremia. Patients with kidney cancer, if the damage to kidney tissues is not severe, may still have normal kidney function. However, if severe problems occur in both kidneys, kidney cancer could also lead to uremia, although this situation is relatively rare.