Stage 1 Kidney Cancer: thoughts about delaying surgery?

Hi. Sorry to hear about your diagnosis. You came to a great place. You will find lots of support here.

What kind of cancer is it? Can you tell us more?

CindyC
CHrcc

Right kidney, core biopsy: Clear cell renal cell carcinoma, preliminary WHO/ISUP grade 2.
Size = 3.6 cm (Stage 1).
They found it by 'accident", they found mass when they did lung CT scan, then followed up with renal CT scan, then biopsy.
No symptoms.
My Urologist says it's slow growing and can wait for surgery to remove it several months (until spring 2025). But my gut tells me, the sooner the better.

Yes, most kidney cancers are found incidentally. Mine was, too.
If you are concerned about the waiting, you can always get a second opinion.
I had Cryosurgery. Easy. Non-invasive.

CindyC
CHrcc

Thanks for your response cindyc, I'm glad your treatment worked for you.

Thanks. Hoping for the best for you, too.

CindyC
CHrcc

I also had cryoablation on a much larger tumor. If the location on the kidney is good cryo is minially invasive and mostly pain free.

Yes. I am very grateful for my Interventional Radiologist. Ablation is a wonderful option for tumors that are under 4 cm.

CindyC
CHrcc

I have commented many times on this site, so I will make it short. I was diagnosed with kidney cancer on my left kidney April of 2023; per urologist my only real option was a total nephrectomy of the kidney. Because of my age - - now 82 - - I have opted out of the surgery up to this time. Instead I have been on Keytruda for the last 6 months and also had five high dose radiation treatments to stop bleeding I experienced from lesion. I know it's a difficult decision to make and everyone has a unique situation, but once one weighs the pros and the cons of each treatment you have to decide and not look back. Cancer is truly a scourge and a life changer no matter what course one takes. My last CT scan done last week shows that after one year tumor is stable and there is no evidence of metastatic disease which is great. I take it a day at a time and try to always remain positive.

Thanks for sharing ronsale. So glad to hear your tumor is stable and no evidence of metastatic disease.
You are an inspiration to me.

@jv1715 Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! It is always disconcerting to hear news like this, isn't it? As you can see, several people have responded with their experiences.

If you do not feel waiting is a good idea, can you see about getting a second opinion? One way I have approached such a situation with my doctors, is to ask them, "If I was your sister/mother, what would you advise?" Sometimes their response is a surprise.

Whatever you decide to do, be comfortable with it. Do you have further questions?
Ginger