Understanding Kidney Cancer

What Are the Questions to Ask About Kidney Cancer?

Last updated and reviewed on June 13, 2026.

Being diagnosed with kidney cancer can feel overwhelming. There is a lot to learn, many decisions to make, and often a lot of different doctors involved in your care. One of the most powerful things you can do is come to your appointments prepared with a written list of questions ready to ask. Research shows that patients who ask questions and participate actively in their care make decisions that better align with their own values and tend to feel more satisfied with their treatment experience.

Bring a trusted friend or family member to your appointments to take notes, and consider asking permission to record the conversation on your phone so you can listen again later. Do not worry about asking too many questions. Your care team wants you to understand your situation and feel confident in your choices.

Tip: Keep a notebook or use your phone to write down questions as they come to you between appointments. That way, nothing gets forgotten when you are in the room with your doctor.

What Questions Should I Ask My Doctor About a Kidney Cancer Diagnosis?

These questions are most useful right after your diagnosis, when you are trying to understand what you are dealing with.

• What type of kidney cancer do I have? What is the subtype?
• What stage and grade is my cancer? What does that mean?
• Has the cancer spread anywhere beyond the kidney? If so, where?
• How was my diagnosis made? Was a biopsy done, or is the diagnosis based on imaging?
• Is a second opinion recommended for my pathology or imaging results?
• Should I be seen by a specialist at a major kidney cancer center?
• Will my case be reviewed by a multidisciplinary team of specialists?
• Are there any additional tests needed to complete my staging?
• Do I have any genetic risk factors for kidney cancer? Should I consider genetic testing or counseling?

What Questions Should I Ask About Kidney Cancer Treatment?

These questions will help you understand your treatment options and make decisions that are right for you.

• What are my treatment options?
• What treatment do you recommend for me, and why?
• What is the goal of this treatment: cure, control, or symptom relief?
• If surgery is recommended:
  • Can partial nephrectomy (kidney-sparing surgery) be done, or will the whole kidney need to be removed?
  • What type of surgical approach will be used: open, laparoscopic, or robotic?
  • What are the risks and expected recovery time?
  • Will I have enough kidney function after surgery?
• If systemic therapy (targeted therapy or immunotherapy) is recommended:
  • Which drugs will I be taking, and how are they given?
  • What are the most common side effects, and how will they be managed?
  • How will we know if the treatment is working?
  • What happens if this treatment stops working?
• Are there clinical trials I should consider before or instead of standard treatment?
• Are there alternatives to surgery, such as ablation or active surveillance, that might be appropriate for me?
• Can my treatment be done locally, or should I travel to a specialized center?
• What does my treatment schedule look like — how often will I need to come in?
• Are there any other health conditions I have that could affect my treatment choices?

What Questions Should I Ask About Follow-Up Care?

These questions will help you stay on top of your health after treatment and catch any problems early.

• What does my follow-up schedule look like after treatment ends?
• What tests will be done at follow-up visits, and how often?
• What are the signs or symptoms that might indicate the cancer has come back? What should I do if I notice them?
• How long am I at risk for recurrence? When is the risk highest?
• What are the potential long-term side effects of my treatment?
• How will losing a kidney (or part of a kidney) affect my kidney function long-term?
• Should I make any lifestyle changes after treatment — diet, exercise, medications to avoid?
• Will I need to see any other specialists (for example, a nephrologist for kidney function)?
• Can I get a written survivorship care plan that summarizes my diagnosis and treatment?

What Questions Should I Ask About Clinical Trials?

These questions will help you decide whether a clinical trial is right for you.

• Are there any clinical trials available that might be appropriate for me?
• What is the goal of this trial, and what phase is it in?
• What treatments will I receive if I join? Is there a control group, and what do they receive?
• What are the known and possible unknown risks of this trial?
• How does this trial compare to the standard treatment I would otherwise receive?
• How often would I need to come in for visits and tests?
• What costs are covered by the trial sponsor, and what might I need to pay?
• Can I continue seeing my regular doctors while enrolled in the trial?
• What happens if I want to leave the trial or if the trial is stopped?
• How will I find out about the results of the trial?

What Questions Should I Ask About Coping and Support?

These questions will help you get the emotional, practical, and social support you need throughout your kidney cancer journey.

• Are there oncology social workers, counselors, or psychologists available through my cancer center?
• Are there kidney cancer support groups — in person or online — that you would recommend?
• What palliative care or supportive care services are available to me, even while I am still on active treatment?
• Are there resources to help with the financial side of cancer care — copays, medications, transportation, or time off work?
• How can my family or caregivers get support for themselves?
• Are there resources for people worried about fertility or sexual health after treatment?
• Is there a patient navigator or nurse coordinator who can help me understand and coordinate my care?
• How do I best reach your office if I have questions or new symptoms between appointments?
• Are there any reputable books, websites, or organizations you recommend for kidney cancer education and support?

Sources:

1. American Cancer Society. Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Kidney Cancer. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/kidney-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/talking-with-doctor.html
2. National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN). NCCN Guidelines for Patients: Kidney Cancer. https://www.nccn.org/patients