Likelihood Of Recurrence

In May I had a partial nephrectomy that removed 2 stage 1 tumors that were found incidentally as part of a kidney stone episode in the other kidney. However, I am curious about the frequency of people developing new tumors after nephrectomies. Anyone have any stories to share?

Michael W. 40 NYC

Hi,

Unfortunately, it was my father's experience that they may come back. He had a kidney removed and he got another tumor in that same "area," believe it or not.

God Bless,
Vinnie

The likelihood of recurrence depends on the size of the primary tumor and the extent of spread beyond the kidney. You say you had two stage I tumors. Were they in the same kidney? With the most common kidney cancer, clear cell renal cell carcinoma, it is rare that one kidney develops more than one tumor, and also rare for it to spread to a previously unaffectedtumor. Tumors in both kidneys sometimes indicates a genetic cause, and perhaps a different type of kidney cancer. Kidney cancer is a bad actor; it can come back many years after tumors are removed. You should have periodic checks for the rest of your life, because when kidney cancer comes back after a long disease free interval, it can come back as one or two small metastatic tumors which can be removed surgically if found when they are still small. With stage I tumors the likelihood of recurrence is small. My sister has gone 10 1/2 years without a recurrence.

There is an email support list specific to kidney cancer. See http://cancerguide.org/kofaq/.

I was told that it was the typical type of RCC and they actually were in the same area of the same kidney. I was able to have a partial nephrectomy and they had not metasticized.

It sounds like you have a very good chance of never having to deal with kidney cancer again. But do have regular checkups for the rest of your life. Many doctors will tell you that the cancer will not come back if you are five years past surgery, but that is not true. It can come back after many years, but the chances of that happening are small, and if it is a long time until it comes back, the chances are great that it will come back in only one or two places and will be treatable if caught early.

I am glad to hear your sister has not had a recurrence for over 10 1/2 years. My husband was diagnosed in Dec. of '04. He's already had and nephrectomy and two recurrences. His first tumor was a Stage 1 Grade 3 tumor, very aggressive. The second and third recurrences were both in the liver. He has been involved in the clinical trial for Sutent since last August. At the present time he shows now signs of cancerous activity or new metastatic disease. We are thrilled, and also very relieved that this drug has now been approved by the FDA.

I've read several of your postings. I can only believe you have helped a number of people and families facing this disease with your knowledge and perseverance. Keep up the good work and thanks!

Thank you, Susan L.

I am so glad that your husband is doing well on Sutent. My sister is doing well, but we lost our mother to RCC, and her brother also had it.

I am glad that I could help.

My husband was just diagnosed with kidney cancer stage IV, high grade he has a tumor 22 cm large, they have not done surgery yet he is on sutent to reduce the size to make the operation safer. He has been taken off the drug for 4 days as he has developed high fever's 101 - 103. I am looking for any and all information available please help.