What Does Stage 2 Kidney Cancer Mean?

Stage 2 kidney cancer means the tumor is larger than 7 cm (about 2.8 inches) but is still confined to the kidney. It has not spread to lymph nodes, blood vessels outside the kidney, or distant organs.

Although the tumor is bigger than in stage 1, it is still considered localized, which means the cancer has not moved beyond the kidney itself. This stage is less common than stage 1 but still offers a very good chance of successful treatment, especially if diagnosed early.

Most stage 2 kidney cancers do not cause noticeable symptoms. However, some people may experience:

  • Blood in the urine
  • Pain or a dull ache in the side or lower back
  • A lump or swelling in the abdomen

Diagnosis is usually made through imaging tests such as CT scans or MRIs, often done to investigate symptoms or during tests for other medical issues.

Treatment for stage 2 kidney cancer almost always involves surgery. The most common options are:

  • Radical nephrectomy – removal of the entire kidney, often used when the tumor is large
  • Partial nephrectomy – may still be possible in select cases, depending on the tumor’s location and the health of the remaining kidney

In general, no additional treatment like chemotherapy or radiation is required after surgery if the cancer has been fully removed. However, patients are closely monitored with regular scans to check for any recurrence.

The five-year survival rate for stage 2 kidney cancer is still high, although slightly lower than for stage 1. Early diagnosis and timely surgery significantly improve the outlook.

Looking for more questions?

Visit our Kidney Cancer Questions page for all other topics explained in plain language.

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