There are many different factors that affect the possibility of surgery for advanced renal cell carcinoma because it may have spread to other parts of the body.
Some people whose cancer has spread to other organs may benefit from surgery that takes out the kidney tumor. Removing the kidney might also lessen symptoms such as pain and bleeding.
If the cancer has spread to only one organ such as liver or lung (and nowhere else), surgery may be used to remove it. Depending on the extent of the cancer, this might help the patient live longer, or it could even cure the cancer. Deciding if surgery is an option to remove areas of cancer spread depends on their size, number, and location of tumors.
Whether or not surgery can be performed, most often other treatment will also be utilized such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy or precision medicine, as well as others. A multidisciplinary treatment team is vital for every cancer patient!