Kidney Cancer Staging
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Staging Kidney Cancer
Once diagnosed, the spread of kidney cancer is assessed through a staging process. Early stages are often characterized by small tumors that have remained localized to their point of origin. In advanced stages, the cancer has spread beyond its point of origin.
As kidney cancer grows, it may enter nearby organs, such as the liver, colon or pancreas. Kidney cancer cells may also spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body, including the lymph nodes. If kidney cancer spreads to other sites, like the lungs, the new tumors will be made up of kidney cancer cells. This is referred to as metastatic kidney cancer because the cancer cells originally formed in the kidneys.
Kidney cancer staging begins by evaluating three key components of cancer: size, location and spread. In the earliest stage of kidney cancer (stage I), the cancer is localized to the kidney. Later stages are characterized by the growth and spread of cancerous tissues throughout the body (stage IV).
Understanding the TNM System
The American Joint Committee on Cancer's (AJCC) TNM system, a commonly accepted method for evaluating kidney cancer, uses a stage grouping of three key components; T, N and M:
- Tumor - The tumors are rated on a scale 0-4, where T0 indicates no evidence of a primary tumor.
- Node - If cancer is found in the lymph nodes, the quantity of cancer cells found is rated using N1 or N2. Conditions where the cancer has not spread to the lymph nodes is indicated by N0.
- Metastasized - Cancer that has spread (metastasized) is indicated by M1. Otherwise, M0 is used if there are no signs of metastases.
Each category (T, N and M) is assessed and rated. An X is used to denote insufficient information (the condition of the particular factor cannot be adequately assessed).
Kidney Cancer Stage Grouping
The TNM system assesses the size of the tumor and how far the cancer has spread from point of origin:
- Stage I Kidney Cancer: The tumor is small (7 cm or less across) and limited to the kidney. (Example: T1, N0, M0)
- Stage II Kidney Cancer: The tumor has grown larger but still remains within the kidney. There is no evidence of spread to lymph nodes or distant sites. (Example: T2, N0, M0)
- Stage III Kidney Cancer: The tumor has grown beyond the kidney and may now extend into the adrenal glands or nearby tissues or organs. The cancer may or may not have spread to nearby lymph nodes. (Example: T1, N1, M0)
- Stage IV Kidney Cancer: The tumor may be any size and has grown beyond the kidney. The cancer may have spread to lymph nodes or distant sites like the liver, lung or bladder. (Example: Any T, Any N, M1)
Understanding Kidney Cancer Staging
The care team at Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) understands that it may take time to identify and diagnose kidney cancer. The staging process is an important time when you and your doctor will learn about where the cancer has spread and how this may affect your treatment options.
Your CTCA care team is here every step of the way to answer your questions and support you through this period. There may be a lot of new information to consider and the CTCA care team is dedicated to ensuring that you clearly understand the process and the variety of treatment options available. With knowledge, expertise and compassion, our cancer experts clearly communicate the information you need to know.
Taking the Next Steps
When you're ready to learn more, call 1-800-615-3055 or Chat Now to talk with one of our Oncology Information Specialists. Our representatives are available 24 hours a day, every day of the week. We're ready to help, at any stage.
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