Kidney cancer is a broad term that refers to the formation and identification of cancer cells in one or both kidneys. Generally, kidney cancer has no symptoms, although some patients complain of pain in one or both sides, depending on the location of the tumor. Because tumors are often identified during routine scans or X-rays, kidney cancer is often diagnosed early when the tumors are still very small.
Like all cancers, there are four grades (commonly called "stages") of kidney cancer. Stage I refers to the least invasive form of cancer, when the tumor and/or number of cancer cells is very small. Stage II is the next stage, followed by Stage III and Stage IV. Stage IV kidney cancer is much more difficult to treat and control than Stage I kidney cancer, but all four stages of kidney cancer have a relatively high survival rate, as compared to many other forms of cancer including breast, lung and brain cancer.
Staging/Grading of Kidney Cancer
Kidney cancer is graded, or staged, based on results of tests including physical exams, biopsies of the tumor and/or cancer cells, and imaging tests (including CT scans, X-rays of the kidneys and PET scans).
The clinical stage, or clinical grade, is determined based on your doctor's prognosis regarding how far the cancer has spread. This prognosis is based on the results of the above mentioned tests and exams. If surgery is performed on the cancer, kidney cancer can be given a pathological stage or grade, which is a more comprehensive and accurate grade based on all of the above factors as well as the results of the surgery. If surgery reveals that the cancer has spread further than was revealed on previous exams, the stage or grade of the kidney cancer may progress to a higher stage.
Kidney cancer is staged using the standard staging system for cancer, created by the American Joint Committee on Cancer. The staging system, often called the AJCC or the TNM system, considers three factors when staging kidney cancer. The "T" factor refers to the size of the primary tumor and its growth (or lack of growth) into surrounding areas. The "N" refers to the potential spread of cancer cells to lymph nodes. The "M" refers to possible metastases to other parts of the body.
Stage 2, or Grade 2, kidney cancer is characterized by a T number of 2. A T number of 2 is given when the tumor is larger than 7 cm across, but is still confined only to the kidney. Stage 2 kidney cancer has an N number of 0 and an M number of 0, so there is no spread to either the lymph nodes nor any other parts of the body.
Survival Rate of Grade 2 Kidney Cancer
According to the American Cancer society, the prognosis for those diagnosed with Stage 2 kidney cancer is relatively favorable. Prognosis, or survival rates, are measured in terms of 5-year survival rates. According to the American Cancer society, 82 percent of patients diagnosed with Stage II kidney cancer are still alive 5 years after diagnosis. The majority of these patients live much longer than 5 years after diagnosis, however again survival statistics with cancer are measured in terms of the 5 year survival rate. The American Cancer Society cautions that these numbers are average survival rates, and do not determine each individual's chance of survival, which should be discussed with a doctor.
Survival Predictors
According to the American Cancer Society, several other factors in addition to the stage of the cancer can have an impact on survival of Stage II kidney cancer. Those who exhibit high blood lactate or calcium levels, anemia, and/or a lack of response to treatment tend to have lower survival rates, despite their stage or grade of kidney cancer.
Treatment
Surgery is often the main, and only, treatment for Stage II kidney cancer. The removal of the tumor is generally effective at treating the cancer, especially if it is caught while still in the first or second stage. Nephrectomy, the surgery performed to treat kidney cancer, involves opening the kidney to remove the tumor and/or cancer cells. New procedures, including open Laparoscopic Nephrectomies (the use of a laser to destroy cancer cells without opening the kidney) and partial nephrectomies can preserve the function of the kidney if the tumor is small enough and located away from the center of the kidney and/or other vital organs surrounding the kidney. However, because the majority of people can live a normal life with only one kidney, the traditional procedure may be recommended for those whose cancer has advanced from Stage I to Stage II, in order to ensure that all cancer cells are removed and to minimize the risk of a recurrence of cancer.
Alternatives to Surgery
Although ablation may be an alternative to surgery, which involves destroying cancer cells and tumors in the kidney through the use of energy, generally ablation is limited to those with tumors that are 4 cm or less. Thus, these options are not available to those with Stage II kidney cancer. However, despite the limited options available for treatment, those who do receive the surgery discussed above generally have a very good chance of surviving and living a normal life.
Tags: cancer cells, Stage kidney, Stage kidney cancer, kidney cancer, kidney cancer, American Cancer, kidney cancer