The first follow-up visit for patients with kidney cancer can be performed 4 to 6 weeks after surgery to assess renal function, recovery from blood loss, and the presence of surgical complications. For patients who have undergone surgery to preserve the renal unit, a renal CT (computed tomography) scan is performed 4 to 6 weeks after surgery to understand changes in kidney morphology for comparison in future reviews.
Follow-up time frame for each stage of kidney cancer:
- T1-T2: follow-up every 3-6 months for 3 years and annually thereafter;
- T1-T2: follow-up every 3-6 months for 3 years and annually thereafter;
- T3-T4: follow-up every 3 months for 2 years, every 6 months in the third year, and annually thereafter;
- T3-T4: follow-up every 3 months for 2 years, and every 6 months in the third year, and annually thereafter;
- After treatment for VHL syndrome: abdominal and head CT scans should be performed every 6 months, and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) of the central nervous system, urinary catecholamine measurements, ophthalmology, and audiology should be performed annually.
- Follow-up after targeted therapy for advanced kidney cancer: Blood and urine tests every 4-6 weeks, and imaging tests such as CT or MRI every 6-8 weeks, with the follow-up schedule adjusted appropriately according to the patient’s general condition, duration of medication, dose, and toxic side effects.
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It is important to note that the follow-up protocol after treatment for kidney cancer should emphasize individualization.