Hi. Following a radical nephrectomy I have been advised that my tumour was grade 2 Clear Cell and Stage 1. Although looking up about grade 2, I would like more information about what it means. I know grade 1 and 2 are slower and less likely to spread than 3 or 4 and lower risk or recurrence however would like more detail. Is there evidence of recurrence rates? Thank you
Hi Bet71,
Thanks for getting in touch and welcome to our online community.
My name is Carole and I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line.
We hope you are recovering well from your radical nephrectomy.
Doctors usually get enough information from scans to diagnose kidney cancer, however, they often get more detailed information after surgery.
Cancer cells are examined in the lab by specialist doctors called pathologists. The type of kidney cancer tells your doctor what sort of kidney cell the cancer started in, and the grade tells them how much the cancer cells look like normal cells.
Clear cell cancers are graded between 1 and 4. To find out the grade, pathologists look at changes to the centre of the cell (nucleus).
As you say, low grade cancers tend to grow more slowly.
I can appreciate you would like more detail about the risk of recurrence; however, we’d encourage you to speak to your specialist team. They are best placed to advise on your own situation, and will be able to explain how you will be followed up.
I hope this is helpful. If you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to get back in touch. Our online kidney cancer forum can be a good place to share experiences and get support too.
Sending best wishes,
Carole
You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email.
Our ref: MD
