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The top kidney cancer hospitals / medical centers in the United States. Find a kidney cancer physician near you. 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 Hospitals Overall Best for Kidney Cancer Best for Kidney Disease (Failure) Last 5-Year Rankings 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 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

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

Kidney biopsy 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. 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 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.

Kidney Cancer - Honors The Laurel Wreath represents victory over cancer and honors those who have been impacted by kidney cancer. Individuals listed on this page are recognized and lifted up as a member of the kidney cancer community. Mike Peterson An avid naturalist and outdoorsman, Mike quietly lived life. Soon after retiring, things he enjoyed most created fatigue. A stubborn man, his son finally convinced him to go to the Emergency Department to be evaluated. The doctors discovered a mass in his kidney, liver, and lungs. Stage 4 renal cell carcinoma. Mike passed away quietly on July 1, 2025. The same way he lived. God Bless his memory. Sid Sadler A husband and father, Sid Sadler was diagnosed with kidney cancer in December 2023. Sid was just 32 years of age at the time of the unexpected news that a 10.5 cm mass was growing in his kidney. Since a complete nephrectomy of his left kidney, Sid has been running full speed ahead. Sid set out to learn everything he could about renal cell carcinoma and how he can be a supportive voice for others walking a similar journey. Read More Read More 1 Page 1 Share Your Story Share your kidney cancer story with us. Submit your name, a brief story, and a photo. Name Email Kidney Cancer Story Upload Photo (Max 15MB) Submit

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.

Publications / Statistics Publications Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma National Library of Medicine Diagnostic Imaging for Solid Renal Tumors: A Pictorial Review National Library of Medicine Immunotherapy for Kidney Cancer Cancer Research Institute Kidney Cancer Research Results and Study Updates National Cancer Institute, NIH Kidney Cancer Journal - Kidney Cancer Association Kidney Cancer - Sage Journals National Comprehensive Kidney Cancer Guidelines for Patients National Comprehensive Cancer Network (pdf) Kidney Cancer: Current Progress in Treatment National Library of Medicine Renal Mass and Localized Cancer American Urological Association Kidney Cancer Research - Kidney Cancer Association Statistics Kidney Cancer Statistics 2025 American Cancer Society Cancer Stats at a Glance Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Kidney Cancer Stat Facts - Kidney Cancer National Cancer Institute U.S. - Cancer Profiles by State National Cancer Institute Global Epidemiology of Kidney Cancer Oxford Academic Fast Facts Kidney Cancer Association

Tips for dealing with the emotional side of kidney cancer, kidney stones, and chronic kidney disease. Emotional Rollercoaster Ride Dealing with kidney cancer and chronic kidney disease can be like a roller coaster ride that you want to get off. Here are some tips on how to deal with the emotional side of kidney disease. Emotions and Cancer Feelings Scanxiety Kidney Cancer Stories Navigating Cancer Tips Coping and Support Cancer Patient Advocate Examining the Relationship Patient Navigator - KCA Coping Effectively - CKD Psychosocial Effects Managing Emotions - Part I Managing Emotions - Part II

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.

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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/

Diagram of the kidney cancer patient's journey. Common Patient Journey - Kidney Cancer Testing Diagnosis Treatment Surveillance Emotional Support Signs & Symptoms Imaging CT Scan MRI Bone Scan Biopsy Types and Grades Renal Cell Papillary Chromophobe Surveillance Imaging Ablation Surgery Lab Tests Physician Visit Immunotherapy Collecting Duct Renal Medullary Treatment by Stage Psychotherapy 1-on-1 Support Online Community Reduce Stress Stages Forward Back ? Narrative

Active surveillance of kidney cancer before or after a nephrectomy is critical. Surveillance Clear cell, renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) patient's that have a partial or radical nephrectomy are usually followed up under a surveillance program based on their individual case. General guidelines, such as those outlined by Dr. Brad Leibovich, Mayo Clinic, serve as recommendations for physicians to follow patients who have had a nephrectomy, monitoring the patient for any recurrence of renal cancer. Dr. Leibovich and his team developed the Progression-Free Survival Score to classify patient's as low, medium, and high risk for recurrence. Active Surveillance Follow Up for Kidney Cancer Predicting Outcomes in RCC Prognostic Models Patient Classification* The Leibovich Model recommends imaging / follow up for all patient classifications at 3 months post-surgery to check for recurrence as well as establish a new baseline for the patient for comparison against future imaging / testing. The higher the risk a patient is for recurrence, the more frequent are the intervals for ongoing testing. Stage I and II (Low Risk) 3 months post op CT or MRI with contrast of abdomen Chest x-ray Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP) then, Annually for 5 years after surgery (same testing as above) then, > 5 years Renal ultrasound Chest x-ray at clinical discretion Stage III (Intermediate Risk) 3 months post op CT or MRI with contrast of abdomen/pelvis Chest x-ray or CT Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP) then, 6 month intervals for 3 years (same testing as above) then, >3 years - Annually (same testing as above) then, > 5 years - Patient Specific Based on individual patient's case / history Stage IV (High Risk) 3 months post op CT or MRI with contrast of abdomen/pelvis Chest x-ray or CT Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP) then, 4 month intervals for 2 years (same testing as above) then, >2 years at 6 month intervals (years 3 to 5 after surgery) (same testing as above) then, > 5 years - Annually (same testing as above) *Based on published Mayo Clinic risk score (Leibovich BC, Cancer 2003;97:1663-1671) National Comprehensive Cancer Network Kidney Cancer Guidelines The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) is a not-for-profit alliance of 33 leading cancer centers devoted to patient care, research, and education. The NCCN develops resources that present valuable information to stakeholders in health care. Part of their mission is creating clinical practice guidelines appropriate for use by patients, clinicians, and other health care decision-makers. One of the guidelines is the recommended treatment for patients with kidney cancer. The most recent Kidney Cancer Treatment Guidelines (March 2025) can be viewed on the NCCN website in pdf format. These guidelines are detailed and extensive. Well worth your time and attention if you want to understand the details of the management and treatment guidelines for kidney cancer at all stages. An important note is that the guidelines are just that - guidelines. No single follow-up plan is appropriate (fits) all patients. Management should be individualized based on each patient's unique medical condition and other contributing factors.

KidneyCouch resource library for kidney cancer and chronic kidney disease. Library Get informed. Find links to educational resources, inspirational stories, and informative articles about kidney cancer, kidney stones, and chronic kidney disease. The resources are informational and educational only and not an endorsement of their content. Each patient needs to discuss their individual circumstances with their medical provider. Testing / Diagnosis Kidney Stones Kidney Cancer Treatment Chronic Kidney Disease Prognostic Models Diet

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Back Sid Sadler Being diagnosed with kidney cancer at 32 years of age wasn't in my "plan," if we want to call it a plan. I'm 34 now, and approaching another round of scans to ensure the cancer removed from my body is gone. December of 2023, I had an episode of hematuria in my urine, and that led to a CT which revealed a 10.5 cm tumor on my left kidney. A slew of appointments made with Vanderbilt led to a plan of a radical nephrectomy removing my tumor and left kidney. February of 2024 the surgery took place. Surprisingly, I recovered well. I had my surgery on a Monday, and I was home that Wednesday afternoon. Eagerly awaiting my pathology results, while also browsing the internet for others in my situation. I didn't find many, but I found a few, and I leaned on those few very hard. With no other evidence of disease, I hoped for a diagnosis of stage two or three, knowing other factors such as grade and type played a big factor in my outlook. The results come back. Stage 2b, grade two Clear Cell Renal Carcinoma. After meeting with my team, a scan schedule was put into place. Hesitant and nervous at first, I learn the rhythm we all learn after cancer enters our lives. Soon thereafter, my wife and I find out she is expecting a baby, and our world goes from one end of the spectrum to another end of emotions. We welcome a beautiful healthy baby girl into the world just short of one year after my surgery. Life is crazy, isn't it? I started as a scared patient, and I still am. However, I'm also equipped with knowledge now, and most importantly perspective. I dove into advocacy, joining the patient family advisory councils at Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center, and The Kidney Cancer Association. I was recently invited to join the Board of Directors for The Judy Nicholson Kidney Cancer Foundation. If I could say one thing to you, it's that cancer isn't a period for a lot of us. It's a comma. Once a plan is set in place, things will get better. We have come a long way in treatment for both localized and stage four kidney cancer. I'm confident in my team and the other countless doctors researching this disease. Onward.

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.