Questions to ask: Kidney cancer

Diagnosis

• What type of kidney cancer do I have (clear cell, papillary, chromophobe, or another type)?
• What stage is my cancer, and has it spread?
• How big is my kidney mass? Could it be benign?
• Do I need a biopsy, or can we decide without one?
• Is my mass small enough that active surveillance is an option?
• What is the grade of my tumor? Does it have sarcomatoid features?
• If the cancer has spread, what is my risk group (favorable, intermediate, or poor)?
• Should I have genetic testing for an inherited kidney cancer syndrome?
• Should my family members be tested?
• Is the goal of treatment to cure the cancer or to control it?
• Should I get a second opinion at a center that sees a lot of kidney cancer?

Before

• What treatment do you suggest, and why?
• Can I have a partial nephrectomy to save part of my kidney?
• Will surgery be done through small cuts or robot-assisted?
• How will surgery affect my kidney function in the long run?
• Is ablation a choice for me?
• Would I benefit from immunotherapy after surgery?
• If my cancer has spread, should my kidney be removed, or should I start medicine first?
• What are the most common side effects of this treatment?
• How is treatment given (pill, IV, or both), and how often?
• Are there clinical trials I could join?
• Who should I call with problems at night or on weekends?
• What costs should I expect, and who can help with insurance or pill costs?

During

• How will we know if the treatment is working?
• How often will I have scans and blood tests?
• Should I check my blood pressure at home? What numbers should I call about?
• Which side effects should I call about right away?
• What should I do about diarrhea, mouth sores, or sore hands and feet?
• Can my dose be lowered or paused if side effects are hard?
• Are there foods, supplements, or medicines I should avoid with my targeted pill?
• What happens if the cancer grows on this treatment?
• Can I see a palliative care team to help with symptoms?
• Can I see a dietitian, social worker, or counselor?
• How can my caregiver help, and what should they watch for?

After

• How often will I need checkups and scans, and for how long?
• What signs could mean the cancer has come back?
• How do I protect my remaining kidney function?
• Should I see a kidney doctor (nephrologist)?
• What long-term side effects should I watch for, such as thyroid problems?
• Who will be my main doctor after treatment ends?
• If I have an inherited syndrome, what screening do I need for other tumors?
• Where can my family and I find support groups?

Last updated: 2026-10-27. Medically reviewed by Veli Bakalov, MD, medical oncologist (October 2026). General education from Step by Step, the patient portal of HemeOncBuddy.