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Check out the top kidney cancer hospitals / medical centers in the United States. U.S. News creates a list of the top hospitals in the United States, by specialty, on an annual basis. The report is usually published in the month of July each year. Here is the list of hospitals / medical centers for Kidney Cancer and Kidney Disease. U.S. News & World Report Best of the Best Best Hospitals Overall Best for Kidney Cancer Best for Kidney Disease (Failure) Last 5-Year Rankings 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020

Kidney Cancer The Basics Kidney Overview What is Kidney Cancer? General Information about RCC NCCN Patient Guide (pdf) Kidney Cancer Patient Guide (UCF) Your Kidneys and Kidney Cancer Types - Illustrations Types and Grades Kidney Cancer Stages Kidney Cancer Staging What is a Renal Mass? Video What You Need to Know Specifics Kidney External Structure Anatomy of the Kidney Kidney Cancer Explained - EAU Kidney Cancer Treatments How is Kidney Cancer Treated? Treatment Options - Small Tumor NCCN Evidence Blocks (pdf) Advances in Treatment Roadmap - T1 Masses - MUSIC Genetic Testing Nephrectomy - EAU Robot-Assisted Partial - EAU Combination Immunotherapy Immunotherapy Infographic Statistics Kidney Cancer Statistics 2025 Cancer Stats at a Glance Kidney Cancer Stat Facts U.S. - Cancer Profiles by State Global Epidemiology Fast Facts Pediatrics von Hippel-Lindau disease (VHL) Wilms Cancer Foundation Publications General Topics Kidney Biopsy Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma Immunotherapy for Kidney Cancer Kidney Cancer Research - NCI Kidney Cancer Journal - KCA Kidney Cancer - Sage NCCN Patient Guidelines (pdf) Kidney Cancer - Progress in Treating Renal Mass and Localized Cancer Kidney Cancer Research - KCA Emotions and Cancer Find a Kidney Cancer Specialist Just Diagnosed Toolkit - KCA Treatment Center Finder - KCA Healthy Living Cookbook - Urology What You Should Know Renal Cell Cancer Treatment Kidney Cancer Resources - NKF Overview of Kidney Biopsies Kidney Biopsy Explained Kidney Biopsy Indications - youtube Kidney Biopsy Basics 4 Things to Know What to Know - Kidney Biopsy Kidney Biopsy Details

Kidney Cancer Prognosis and Outcomes The Basics Understanding Cancer Prognosis Kidney Cancer - MD Anderson Survival Rates for Kidney Cancer Cancer Survival Rate Explained Frequently Asked Questions T1Renal Masses - MUSIC Urology Cancer Survival Rates - What it Means for Your Prognosis Prognostic Models Predicting Outcomes in RCC Kidney Cancer Nomogram - MSK Cancer Prediction Tools - A Few Leibovich 2018 Model Leibovich 2018 Model Calc. Prognostic Factors - EAU Head-to-Head Comparison of Prognostic Models Non-Mets Chromophobe RCC Publications Prediction Models After Radical Nephrectomy Postoperative Prognostic Model Surveillance Strategies for RCC Comparison of Prognostic Models Prognostic Model Scoring System Optimal Scoring System? Machine Learning Datasets Cancer Survival: An Overview of Measures, Uses, and Interpretation Prognostic Models - Comparison of factors included in a few models. Not all prognostic (predictive) models for kidney cancer recurrence or overall survival use the same clinical criteria. The information below builds on the study "Post nephrectomy management of localized renal cell carcinoma. From risk stratification to therapeutic evidence in an evolving clinical scenario.", April 2023, by Dr. Chiara Ciccarese (researcher at Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore and Oncologist at Fondazione Policlinico Gemelli IRCCS. Rome, Italy) and colleagues. Using this work, I build upon the model as well as entered my clinical case through each model for comparison of predicted outcomes. The models included in the analysis are designed for post-nephrectomy (partial or radical) for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) of the three most common subtypes - clear cell, papillary, and chromophobe. As pointed out in the literature, physicians / scientists in the medical field have developed prognostic models to improve the ability to predict accurately the outcome for patients who are treated surgically for RCC since 2001 (or earlier). Prognostic algorithms can be used to counsel patients, determine the need for adjuvant therapy, stratify patients for clinical trials, and develop appropriate postoperative surveillance programs that are tailored to a patient's risk for disease progression. [1] It needs to be stressed that calculations from any prognostic model is an average based on studies conducted to-date, are usually based on data that is at least five years old and does not take into account advances in treatment or changes in general, an individual's overall health, lifestyle, environmental factors, etc. When using a prognostic nomogram, the calculations for your predicted cancer recurrence or overall survival are not specific to you. They are averages based on similar patients that have been included in a database. That being said, many kidney cancer patients like me, want a more informed prediction of RCC recurrence and overall life expectancy rather than none at all. Physicians / medical centers that utilize data from prognostic models that have been validated by research studies in addition to the physicians' ongoing experience in treating patients and their outcomes, helps to inform regarding the ongoing accuracy of the existing prognostic models in the treatment recommendations for a patient's unique clinical presentation. The models will continue to advance as the science in the medical field does - with the discovery of new biomarkers, molecular features, gene and expression profiling, etc.[2] Post Nephrectomy Prognostic Models - Criteria Included in Selected Models Comparison of Predicted Results for My Clinical Situation - Jeff Kallis Details of My Prognostic Results Prognostic Models - Survival Rates Explained - NIH [1] A Review of Prognostic Pathologic Features and Algorithms for Patients Treated Surgically for Renal Cell Carcinoma, Christine M. Lohse MS, John C. Cheville MD, Clinics In Lab Medicine, June 2005, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0272271205000144 [2] Prognostic factors in renal cell carcinoma, Alessandro Volpe 1 , Jean Jacques Patard , World J Urol, June 2010, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20364259/

Kidney Stones Not all stones are alike. Calcium Oxalate Overview Types Kidney Stone Diet Treatment Options Treat and Prevent Other Links Ten Facts About Kidney Stones What Causes Kidney Stones How to Prevent Kidney Stones Calcium Oxalate Stones - Stone Relief.com Renal Calculi, Nephrolithiasis FAQ's - Kidney Stones Kidney Stones - Cleveland Clinic Kidney Stones Patient Guide - Urology Care Foundation Kidney Stones - JAMA Network Visual Guide to Kidney Stones - Slideshow Good Food for Kidney Stones Cookbook - AUA © Copyright Best Kidney Stone Procedure for Me - MUSIC Kidney Managing Pain_Urinary Symptoms post-Ureteroscopy Low Oxalate Diet Guidelines for Stone Formers - UMHS Nutrition Guidelines for Preventing Kidney Stones - Mayo Clinic To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key.

Stages of kidney cancer. Kidney Cancer Staging The staging system most often used for kidney cancer is the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) TNM system. The TNM system is based on 3 key pieces of information: The size and extent of the main (primary) tumor (T): How large is the tumor? Has it has grown into nearby areas? The spread to nearby lymph nodes (N): Has the cancer spread to nearby lymph nodes? The spread (metastasis) to distant sites (M): Has the cancer spread to other organs such as the bones, brain, or lungs? The stages of kidney cancer range from I (1) through IV (4). The lower the number, the less the cancer has spread. A higher number, such as stage IV, means cancer has spread more. [1] T1 T2 T3 T4 Kidney Purpose The main functions of the kidneys are to clean the blood, balance fluids, remove waste through urine, keep chemicals and electrolytes in balance, make hormones for a stable blood pressure, make red blood cells, and keep our bones strong. [2] © Copyright © Copyright Kidney Cancer Stages Descriptions by American Urological Association and American Cancer Society The "T" in the TNM system is the size of the main (primary) tumor and whether it has grown into nearby areas. © Copyright T1 Tumor Stage I tumors include cancers of any size that are confined to the kidney. Characteristics of T1 tumors: • T1: Tumor 7.0 cm (about 2.8 inches) or less, confined to the kidney • T1a: Tumor 4.0 cm (about 1.6 inches) or less, confined to the kidney • T1b: Tumor 4.0 to 7.0 cm, confined to the kidney © Copyright T2 Tumor Stage II tumors include cancers of any size that are confined to the kidney. Characteristics of T2 tumors: • T2: Tumor greater than 7.0 cm, confined to kidney • T2a: Tumor greater than 7.0 cm and less than 10.0 cm, confined to the kidney • T2b: Tumor greater than 10 cm (about 3.9 inches), confined to the kidney © Copyright T3 Tumor Stage III tumors are either locally invasive (T3) or involve lymph nodes. Characteristics of T3 tumors: The tumor can be any size, but it has not grown outside the kidney. The cancer may have spread to nearby lymph nodes but has not spread to distant lymph nodes or other organs. Tumor grows into major veins (renal vein or the inferior vena cava) or into tissue around the kidney, but not into the adrenal gland and not beyond Gerota’s fascia © Copyright T4 Tumor Stage IV tumors have spread beyond the kidney into organs nearby (T4) or distant (beyond the kidney) metastases. Characteristics of T4 tumors: • The tumor can be any size and may have grown outside the kidney. The tumor may or may not have spread to nearby lymph nodes. The tumor has spread to distant lymph nodes and/or other organs. Tumor reaches beyond Gerota’s fascia (including the adrenal gland). This is not a localized tumor. Kidney Cancer Close Up © Copyright Credits - To the American Urological Association and the American Cancer Society for the descriptions on this page. All of the information is copyright protected. [1] Kidney Cancer Stages American Cancer Society [2] Kidney Cancer Patient Guide American Urological Association (pdf) Kidney Health Basics Urology Care Foundation, American Urological Association (pdf) [3] Kidney Illustrations by iStock See also: Stages of Renal Cell Cancer - Includes Illustrations from the National Cancer Institute

My Story I published a book about my experience with kidney cancer and chronic kidney disease. Check it out on Amazon KidneyCouch Overview - pdf Welcome to this site. In January 2023 I was diagnosed with kidney cancer (ccRCC, Stage 3, Grade 3). My wife and three boys have been great support and encouragement as I have ridden this roller coaster ride with white knuckles on a few unexpected turns. I found that reaching out to online kidney cancer and chronic kidney disease (CKD) support groups helped me through the first two years of this journey. After sharing my experience and listening to those of others on a few social media sites, it inspired me to create a community that places an emphasis on trusted resources to complement patient experiences. I am a firm believer that your physician should not care more about your medical needs than you do. As a person who is logical to a fault, I need data from reputable medical centers and trusted resources to provide education and understanding of kidney disease. One of the primary goals of this site is a search for the best resources to help patients discuss their healthcare options with their physicians and make informed decisions. It is a daunting task. Having cancer is a new playing field. One that no one trains for. And the goal posts move often, many times farther away. Very few locations around the world offer in-person cancer support groups. Having a coalition of resources at your fingertips - the keyboard and phone - is the next best way to provide that support. Moving the goal posts closer together. A retired administrator from Mayo Clinic Rochester, I have experience providing administrative support and direction for the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Anatomic Pathology, Preventive Medicine, and the Emergency Department to name just a few. I never expected to be on this side of the discussion about cancer, chronic kidney disease, kidney stones. Most importantly, I am blessed with a beautiful family. I hope you find the value you are looking for in this community. Jeff Kallis Days Since My Radical Nephrectomy Introduction to Around the Couch Podcast Purpose of This Site This website was developed and is maintained for the sole purpose of providing a "Library" of resources for patients dealing with kidney cancer, chronic kidney disease, or kidney stones. There is no fundraising, sponsors, or business activities of any kind. The information included on this website is for informational purposes only. This site does not provide medical advice.

Get one-on-one support with a mentor at Imerman Angels. One-on-One Support for patients and family members KidneyCouch and Imerman Angels are committed to providing patients and family members with the resources and connections so that no one walks alone as they deal with a kidney cancer diagnosis. One-on-One support is at the heart of the mission of Imerman Angels. KidneyCouch is proud to partner with Imerman Angels to ensure that patients and family members with kidney cancer have access to one-on-one support. Whether you are a patient who is newly diagnosed with kidney cancer; are in the early stages of treatment; need a shoulder to lean on in dealing with cancer; or you are a family member and need support, Imerman Angels has a network of mentors that would love to connect with you. Individuals with kidney cancer who would like to receive one-on-one support will undergo a personalized matching process and be paired up with someone who has a similar diagnosis and experiences. Our hope is that peer-to-peer exchanges will facilitate positive relationships between individuals affected by kidney cancer so that they may share emotional support, encouragement, and information. Also, if you are a kidney cancer patient and would like to become an Imerman Mentor Angel, Imerman Angels would love to visit with you about joining their mentor angels team. How to Partner with Imerman Angels Find a Mentor If you are interested in finding a one-on-one support mentor, you will be asked to fill out an initial registration application and select the type of mentor you would like to be matched up with. Imerman Angels will match you and a mentor according to age, gender, cancer type and experience; so you know you are talking to someone who truly understands what you’re going through, in a supportive and empathetic environment. Any information shared will be kept confidential between Imerman Angels and the assigned mentor. Become a Mentor If you are a kidney cancer patient and would like to become a mentor, you must complete a profile detailing your cancer experiences. After initial screening and training, Imerman Angels will add your name to the list of mentors in their database network and contact you when someone with your shared experiences registers to request a one-on-0ne support mentor. This a great opportunity to "give back" to the kidney cancer community by helping others navigate the cancer journey. Find A Mentor Angel Become A Mentor Angel About Imerman Angels Imerman Angels was created on the belief that no one should have to face cancer alone and without the necessary support. Their mission is to provide personalized connections that enable one-on-one support among cancer patients, survivors, caregivers and previvors. Through their unique matching process, Imerman Angels partners anyone, any age, anywhere, and any cancer type seeking support from someone with a similar diagnosis and experiences—a “Mentor Angel.” Get in touch with the Imerman Angels to connect you with a one-on-one mentor: https://imermanangels.org/find-mentor-angel/ Imerman Angels - Contact Information https://imermanangels.org/contact/

Four common journeys for patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). Top of Page Stage 4 Recurrent Stage 1 & 2 Stage 3 Common Journeys for Patients with ccRCC According to the Cancer Research Institute, 90 percent of kidney cancers are renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Of these, 70 percent have the subtype of "clear cell" renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). Staging is a way to describe the cancer in terms of location and how far it has spread. It helps physicians determine the best course of treatment for the patient. The typical journey for each of the 4 stages ( I - IV ) is outlined below. 1 2 3 4 Information from the American Cancer Society, 2024, edited. Stage I and II cancers are confined to the kidney. Stage I is the least aggressive stage and has the highest five-year survival rate. Stage II is more serious than Stage I but still confined to the kidney. Active surveillance Some small (Stage I) cancers might not need to be treated right away. Small tumors often grow slowly, and some might never cause serious problems. Active surveillance might be an option for some people with small kidney tumors. The tumor is monitored closely with regular imaging tests (CT scans or MRI) and other tests. Further treatment may be necessary if the tumor grows or starts to show other concerning signs. Surgery If treatment is needed, the kidney cancer is usually removed with surgery when possible. Partial nephrectomy (removing the part of the kidney containing the cancer) is often the treatment of choice for smaller tumors. This is especially true for people who have reduced kidney function (or who might have it in the future). Radical nephrectomy (removing the entire kidney) is often favored if the tumor is larger, if it’s in the central part of the kidney, or if there’s more than one tumor in the kidney. Some lymph nodes near the kidney are often removed as well. More lymph nodes might need to be removed if any of them look enlarged on imaging tests, or if there’s a higher risk that the cancer might spread to the nodes. Most often, no further treatment is needed after surgery. If, after surgery, the cancer cells are found to have troubling features when evaluated in the lab (such as being very high grade), one option might be to get adjuvant (additional) treatment to help lower the risk of the cancer coming back. Other treatment options For people who aren’t healthy enough to have surgery or who don't want surgery, other local treatments such as cryotherapy or radiofrequency ablation (RFA) can sometimes be used to destroy (ablate) the kidney tumor. Radiation therapy (particularly stereotactic body radiation therapy, or SBRT) may be another option. Although these types of treatments can have outcomes similar to surgery as far as the chances of the cancer spreading to other parts of the body, some studies show the cancer might be more likely to come back in the same area. 1 and 2 Stage 1 & 2 Stage 3 3 Stage III kidney cancers have grown into nearby large veins or tissues around the kidney, and/or they have spread to nearby lymph nodes. Surgery Surgery is typically the treatment for Stage III. Most often, this is a radical nephrectomy, in which the entire kidney is removed. A partial nephrectomy (removing the part of the kidney containing the tumor) might also be an option if it’s possible, especially in people with reduced kidney function or who have tumors in both kidneys. Some lymph nodes near the kidney are often removed as well. More lymph nodes might need to be removed if any of them look enlarged on imaging tests , or if there’s a higher risk that the cancer might spread to the nodes. If the cancer has grown into the inferior vena cava (the large vein that brings blood from the lower part of the body back up to the heart), your surgeon may need to cut open this vein to remove all of the cancer. For clear cell RCC, an option after surgery is to get adjuvant (additional) treatment to help lower the risk of the cancer coming back (recurrence). Other treatment options For people who can’t have surgery for some reason, radiation therapy or ano ther type of local treatment might be options. Some stage III cancers can’t be removed completely by surgery or destroyed with other treatments. These cancers might get the same treatment as stage IV cancers, with t argeted therapy drugs, immunotherapy , or a combination of these. Stage 4 4 With Stage IV kidney cancer, the main tumor has grown outside the kidney, or the cancer has spread to other parts of the body such as distant lymph nodes or other organs. Treatment of Stage IV kidney cancer depends mainly on how extensive the cancer is and on a person’s general health. For most people with Stage IV kidney cancer, medicines such as immunotherapy and targeted drugs are the main treatments (see below). But in some cases, surgery may still be a part of treatment. While it’s not common, sometimes the main tumor appears to be removable and there is only limited spread to another area (such as to one or a few spots in the lungs). In these situations, surgery to remove both the kidney and the metastasis (the outside area of cancer spread) may be an option if a person is in good enough health. Other options to treat the metastatic tumors might include ablative treatments or radiation therapy . If all of the tumors are removed (or destroyed), additional (adjuvant) treatment with the immunotherapy drug(s) might be considered. If the kidney tumor can be removed but the cancer has spread extensively elsewhere, treatment options might include: Removing kidney with the tumor first. This type of surgery (known as a cytoreductive nephrectomy) isn’t recommended for most people, but it might be an option for otherwise healthy people in a low-risk group . Surgery is then followed by drug treatments for most people. Giving drug treatments (immunotherapy and/or targeted drugs) first. This is likely to be preferred for most people, even if it looks like the cancer in the kidney can be removed. For some people, if the cancer shrinks a lot with this treatment, surgery, ablative treatments , or radiation therapy might be options to try to remove or destroy any remaining tumors. If the kidney tumor isn’t removable If the kidney tumor can’t be removed, the first treatment is usually with medicines such as immunotherapy and/or targeted therapy drugs. Often, one of each type of drug is part of the first treatment. Which ones are used depends to some extent on if the cancer is a clear cell RCC or a non-clear cell RCC. If one treatment doesn’t work (or stops working), another one can often be tried. For some less common types of non-clear cell RCC, such as collecting duct RCC or renal medullary carcinoma, chemotherapy is often the first treatment. While it’s not common, sometimes the first treatment might shrink the tumors enough so that surgery , ablative treatments , or radiation , might be options to try to get rid of any remaining tumors. In other situations, surgery or other treatments might be used to help relieve symptoms from the cancer, such as pain or bleeding, rather than trying to get rid of the cancer completely. This type of treatment is called palliative therapy. If you have advanced kidney cancer (stage IV) and your doctor suggests surgery, ablation, or radiation, be sure you understand what the goal of the treatment is. No matter what type of treatment you’re getting, having your pain controlled can help you maintain your quality of life. Treating the cancer itself can often help with this. Medicines to relieve pain can also be helpful, and they will not interfere with your other treatments. Controlling any pain you have can often help you be more active and continue your daily activities. Because advanced kidney cancer is very hard to cure, clinical trials of new combinations of targeted therapy drugs, immunotherapy, or other new treatments are also options. Treating Recurrent Kidney Cancer Cancer is called recurrent when it comes back after treatment. Recurrence can be local (near the area of the original tumor), or it may be in distant parts of the body. Treatment of kidney cancer that comes back (recurs) after initial treatment depends on where it recurs and what treatments have been used, as well as a person’s health and wishes for further treatment. Local recurrence For cancers that recur near the area of the original kidney tumor after surgery, further surgery, other localized treatments, or radiation might be options. Even if not all of the cancer can be removed or destroyed, these treatments might still help relieve symptoms in some people. Other treatment options will most likely include immunotherapy and/or targeted therapy drugs. Clinical trials of new treatments are an option as well. Distant recurrence Kidney cancer that recurs in distant parts of the body is treated like stage IV cancer (see above). Your options will depend on where the cancer is; if it’s thought to be removable or not; which, if any, drugs you received as part of your first treatment (and how long ago you got them); and on your overall health and preferences. For cancers that continue to grow or spread during treatment with immunotherapy or targeted therapy drugs, different drugs still might be helpful. Recurrent cancers can sometimes be hard to treat, so you might also want to ask your doctor about clinical trials. For some people with recurrent kidney cancer, palliative treatments may be the best option. These treatments are intended to help control the cancer and relieve any symptoms it is causing. Options might include radiation therapy, ablative treatments, or even some type of surgery, if a person is healthy enough. Controlling symptoms such as pain is also an important part of treatment at any stage of the disease. Recurrent

Kidney biopsy Used with Permission of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, all rights reserved. A kidney biopsy is a diagnostic procedure that involves the removal and study of small samples of your kidney under microscope by a pathologist. It’s a way for your medical team to collect information to help diagnose or monitor the health of your kidney, such as determining the grade of a kidney tumor or the functioning of the kidney for a patient with chronic kidney disease. Kidney Biopsy Overview - What to Expect During a Kidney Biopsy Mayo Clinic Cleveland Clinic Johns Hopkins Medicine NIH - NIDDK American Kidney Fund Indication for Kidney Biopsy YouTube - Dr. A. Kishore Kumar Specifics National Kidney Foundation 4 Things to Know About Kidney Biopsies - MD Anderson Cancer Center Safety and Diagnostic Efficacy MUSIC What is MUSIC Kidney? Renal Mass Biopsy Roadmap for Patients with T1 Renal Masses Risk / Benefit Don't roll the dice. Educate yourself regarding the risks / benefits of having a kidney biopsy prior to a nephrectomy for masses between 3 cm to 7 cm. Every patient is unique. The more informed you are, the better your conversation with your physician regarding treatment options.

Following the proper diet is critical for your kidney health. Kidney Friendly Diets Illustration by wellness.rice.edu Kidney Diet Links Eating healthy benefits you in many ways, one of which is your kidneys. These are just a few eating tips to check out. Mediterranean Diet Best Foods for Kidney Diet Eating Right for Chronic Kidney Disease Kidney Friendly Diet Kidney Diet Recipes Kidney Health Diet - Basics Eat Well Diet Example - Jeff Kallis's Diet Healthy habits include not sitting on the couch all day. Unless you're sitting around the couch with us!

Kidney cancer and chronic kidney disease resource library. Contact Us Feel free to reach out with any questions, feedback, requests to add a resource to this site, or comments. Email jeff@kidneycouch.com Social Media First Name Last Name Email Message Send Thanks for submitting! Thank You for sitting around the couch with us.

General information regarding kidney cancer, chronic kidney disease, kidney stones, diet. Kidney Cancer - General Information The Basics About Kidney Cancer What is Kidney Cancer? What You Need to Know NCCN Guidelines - Patient Kidney Cancer Treatments Types of Kidney Surgery Type - Stage - Grade Kidney Cancer Stages Types and Grades Stages - AUA Basics Treatment / Surveillance Active Surveillance Follow Up for Kidney Cancer NCCN Treatment Details RCC Follow Up (pdf) - AUA Follow Up Guidelines - EAU Predicting Outcomes in RCC Find a Physician These are several links about providers or where to seek care for kidney cancer diagnosis and treatment. The sources are provided for informational and educational purposes only and not a recommendation from KidneyCouch. Finding Cancer Care - National Cancer Institute Treatment Center Finder - Kidney Cancer Association Best Hospitals for Cancer - U.S. News & World Report To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key.

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KidneyCouch is proud to be an Affiliate Partner with the Kidney Cancer Association. About Kidney Cancer Association The Kidney Cancer Association (KCA) is an international non-profit organization that promotes scientific advances through two annual research symposiums and a robust grant program, participates in legislative advocacy, and seeks to be a source of education and resources for patients, caregivers, and anyone impacted by kidney cancer. The vision of the KCA is to be the universal leader in finding the cure for kidney cancer. KCA's mission is to be a global community dedicated to serving and empowering patients and caregivers, and leading change through advocacy, research, and education. Knowledge is Power Learning about kidney cancer can feel overwhelming, but gaining knowledge is the first step to feeling more in control. The key is to educate yourself, ensure you understand your diagnosis, and explore your options. Go To Knowledge is Power Patient Stories Check out patient stories from individuals and loved ones who are dealing with kidney cancer. For individuals dealing with kidney cancer, hearing stories from those who have walked a similar path offers a powerful way to connect and feel less alone. Go To Patient Stories Strength in Unity KCA Affiliates / Partners KidneyCouch Podcast Episode Regarding the Affiliation Kidney Cancer Association Contact Information Website kidneycancer.org Email Patient Navigator Programs Donors

ccRCC Stage T3a, Grade 3 These images are from my personal journey with Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma. I was diagnosed in January 2023 and had a radical nephrectomy in February 2023. jeff kallis CT Scan Image This is an image from the CT scan I had on January 25, 2023. The reason for the CT Urogram was to confirm that I had a kidney stone(s) and pinpoint where the stone(s) was located. I did have a 6 mm kidney stone from my left kidney, lodged in the ureter at the entrance of the bladder and refusing to move further. In addition, something more sinister was identified. A 5 cm mass in my other (right) kidney. Thank God for that kidney stone. I had no symptoms from the kidney mass itself, in the right kidney. CT scans and MRI's do a lot of slicing and dicing of body parts, and keeps them together in the end. Kidney Stone Kidney Tumor Pathology - Kidney This is my right kidney that was removed during my radical nephrectomy. The highlighted area is the kidney mass. The pathologist at Mayo Clinic, Dr. John Cheville, diagnosed the mass as Stage T3a, Grade 3, with renal vein invasion. The mass was a higher stage and grade and was more invasive than what could be seen with imaging alone. The time from when I was first tested for symptoms (January 20, 2023) until the tumor was removed from my kidney (February 15, 2023) was 27 days. That's one of many benefits from being seen at an integrated medical practice (Mayo Clinic Rochester) that specializes in kidney cancer. Profoundly grateful for the care and compassion I have received.

Educational links and resources for patients and family members who are dealing with kidney cancer and chronic kidney disease. KidneyCouch Interactive © Copyright Are you or a loved one currently dealing with kidney disease and in need of support and connection to interactive tools and engagement? Forums for discussion can facilitate deeper engagement among individuals dealing with kidney cancer and chronic kidney disease, fostering a sense of belonging within the community of patients dealing with similar issues. Kidney Cancer Support Groups KidneyCouch Community - Smart Patients Kidney Cancer Information and Support Community - Kidney Cancer Association Patient Perspectives - Virtual Support Group - Kidney Cancer Association Kidney Cancer Unfiltered - Podcasts - Kidney Cancer Association Kidney Cancer Support Group - Mayo Clinic Stages1-2-3 Kidney Cancer Support Community - KCCure Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Support Group Go To KidneyCouch Community One-on-One Connection One-on-One Cancer Support Community Resource Partners Imerman Angels provides free, personalized one-on-one cancer support for cancer fighters, survivors, previvors and caregivers. The purpose of the matches made by Imerman Angels is to provide one-on-one cancer support from someone who has been there. To reach out to Imerman Angels to find a mentor for one-on-one support, go to https://imermanangels.org/find-mentor-angel/ Imerman Angels – Certification 🎉 Proud to be part of Imerman Angels! 🌟 I completed the Mentor training at Imerman Angels in June 2025 and am officially a Mentor Angel. Imerman Angels provides free one-on-one support to cancer fighters, survivors, previvors, and caregivers to ensure no one faces cancer alone. Sign up to be a Mentor or Mentee and learn more at @imermanangels or visit their website imermanangels.org Patient-Focused Tools Recent Trends in SEER Age-Adjusted Incidence Rates, 2000-2022 By Sex, Delay-adjusted SEER Incidence Rate, All Races / Ethnicities, All Ages, All Stages Quick Quiz: Kidney Cancer Take the Quiz Cancer Survivors Network Kidney Cancer cBioPortal - Cancer Genomic Data Kidney Cancer