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Macmillan and Cancerbackup merged in 2008. Together we provide free, high quality information for people affected by cancer through our publications, website and phone service. Find out more|.
Find out how we produce our information|
Surgery| is the main treatment for kidney cancer. If all of the cancer can’t be removed by surgery, other treatments may be used.
These other treatments may include biological treatments| such as cancer growth inhibitors. Occasionally chemotherapy|, radiotherapy| or hormonal treatment| is used. In rare cases, kidney cancer will improve without any treatment, but this isn’t usual.
Your doctors will plan your treatment by taking into account a number of factors, including your age and general health, the type| and size| of the tumour and whether it has spread|.
In most hospitals, a team of specialists will meet to discuss and agree on the plan of treatment they feel is best for your situation. This multidisciplinary team (MDT) normally includes:
Other staff are also available to help you if necessary, such as:
Your doctor or nurse specialist will discuss with you what the best treatment is for your particular situation or they may offer you a choice of treatments. If you have to decide between treatments, make sure that you have enough information about each treatment option, so that you can decide which is right for you. You may find it helps to ask questions about what is involved with each treatment and the possible side effects they may cause.
If you have any questions about your treatment, don’t be afraid to ask your doctor or the nurse looking after you. It often helps to make a list of the questions you want to ask and to take a relative or close friend with you to help you remember what is discussed.
Your multidisciplinary team (MDT) uses national treatment guidelines to decide the most suitable treatment for you. Even so, you may want another medical opinion. If you feel it will be helpful, you can ask either your specialist or GP to refer you to another specialist for a second opinion. Getting a second opinion may delay the start of your treatment, so you and your doctor need to be confident that it will give you useful information.
If you do go for a second opinion, it may be a good idea to take a friend or relative with you, and have a list of questions ready, so that you can make sure your concerns are covered during the discussion.
Before you have any treatment, your doctor will explain its aims. They will usually ask you to sign a form saying that you give permission (consent) for the hospital staff to give you the treatment. No medical treatment can be given without your consent, and before you are asked to sign the form you should be given full information about:
If you don’t understand what you’ve been told, let the staff know straight away, so they can explain again. Some cancer treatments are complex, so it’s not unusual for people to need repeated explanations. It’s a good idea to have a relative or close friend with you when the treatment is explained, to help you remember the discussion. You may also find it useful to write a list of questions before your appointment.
Patients often feel that hospital staff are too busy to answer their questions, but it’s important for you to know how the treatment is likely to affect you. The staff should be willing to make time for your questions.
You can always ask for more time if you feel that you can’t make a decision when your treatment is first explained to you.
You are also free to choose not to have the treatment. The staff can explain what may happen if you don’t have it. It’s essential to tell a doctor, or the nurse in charge, so they can record your decision in your medical notes. You don’t have to give a reason for not wanting treatment, but it can help to let the staff know your concerns so they can give you the best advice.
Many people are frightened at the idea of having cancer treatments because of the potential side effects that can occur. Although many of the treatments can cause side effects, these can often be well controlled with medicines.
Treatment can be given for different reasons and the potential benefits will vary depending upon the individual situation.
In people with early-stage kidney cancer, surgery is usually done with the aim of curing the cancer. Occasionally, additional treatments are given to help reduce the risks of it coming back.
If the cancer is at a more advanced stage, the treatment may only be able to control it, improving symptoms and quality of life. However, for some people in this situation the treatment will have no effect upon the cancer and they will get the side effects without any of the benefit.
If you’ve been offered treatment that aims to cure your cancer, deciding whether to accept it may not be difficult. However, if a cure isn’t possible and the purpose of treatment is to control the cancer for a period of time, it may be more difficult to decide whether to go ahead.
Making decisions about treatment in these circumstances is always difficult, and you may need to discuss in detail with your doctor whether you wish to have treatment. If you choose not to, you can still be given supportive (palliative) care, with medicines to control any symptoms.
It’s important that you ask your doctors and nurses any questions you have about your treatment. The more you understand about your treatment, the easier it will be for you and them.
For answers, support or just a chat, call the Macmillan Support Line free (Monday to Friday, 9am-8pm)
If you have any questions about cancer, need support or just want someone to talk to, ask Macmillan.