When kidney cancer metastasizes (spreads) to other parts of the body, it most often affects the lungs, brain, or bones. In rare cases, kidney cancer can also spread to the throat or neck.

Although uncommon, some MyKidneyCancerTeam members have experienced neck metastasis. "I've been diagnosed with clear cell renal cell carcinoma," one member said. "I had surgery to remove my right kidney and went into remission until 2025, when I had surgery to remove a mass in my neck."

Another member shared that their kidney cancer had spread to a lymph node located in their neck.

Read on to learn more about kidney cancer that spreads to the throat and neck, including possible symptoms and when to contact a doctor.

Where in the Throat Can Kidney Cancer Spread?

When kidney cancer cells spread from their original location, they can form tumors in different parts of the body. Although it's uncommon for kidney cancer to spread to the throat or neck, it can happen. In fact, renal cell carcinoma (RCC), the most common type of kidney cancer, is the third most common cancer that spreads to the head and neck area.

No large studies show the most common places in the throat or neck where kidney cancer metastasizes. However, several case studies have described people whose cancer spread to this area. Case studies focus on only one person or a small group of people.

Case studies have reported kidney cancer spreading to the following areas:

• Lymph nodes — Kidney cancer can spread to lymph nodes in the neck region by traveling through the lymphatic system. Renal medullary carcinoma is especially likely to spread to lymph nodes.
• Middle and lower parts of the throat — In rare cases, RCC may spread to the oropharynx and hypopharynx, located in the middle and lower throat.
• Larynx (voice box) — RCC has spread to the larynx in several reported cases.
• Tongue — RCC can spread to the tongue, although this is rare.
• Uvula — RCC can spread to the uvula, but this is rare. The uvula is the small piece of tissue that hangs at the back of the mouth above the throat.
• Cartilage — In rare cases, RCC has spread to cartilage in the throat.

These aren't the only areas of the neck or throat where kidney cancer may spread. However, these locations are most often described in published case studies.

Potential Symptoms of Kidney Cancer Spread to the Throat

Kidney cancer can spread to other areas of the body without causing symptoms or warning signs. However, case studies have reported some possible symptoms:

• Difficulty swallowing
• Shortness of breath
• Coughing up blood
• Pain, such as a persistent sore throat
• Voice changes, including hoarseness
• Headache
• Hearing issues, such as hearing loss or ringing in the ears

Cancer spread can happen at any stage of the disease. For instance, RCC that spreads to the neck may be found at the time of the cancer diagnosis or develop years later.

If you've been diagnosed with kidney cancer, your care team will monitor you regularly for signs of cancer growth or spread. Still, always let your oncologist know about any new or worsening symptoms.

Your healthcare provider may order tests, such as imaging scans or a biopsy, to determine the cause of your symptoms. If they find that the cancer has spread, they'll discuss whether you should adjust your cancer treatment regimen or consider new treatment options.

Kidney Cancer Treatments That May Cause a Sore Throat

If you have kidney cancer and develop a sore throat, the cause may not be kidney cancer metastasis. Some treatments can also cause a sore throat. This may be due to sores in the mouth or throat, general throat irritation, or dryness.

Examples of kidney cancer treatments that may cause a sore throat include:

• Cabozantinib (Cabometyx)
• Everolimus (Afinitor)
• Lenvatinib (Lenvima)
• Pazopanib (Votrient)

Talk with your doctor if you have new or concerning side effects from your treatments. They may be able to recommend ways to help relieve these symptoms.

Other Causes of Sore Throat

A sore throat might not be a cancer symptom or a side effect of treatment. More common causes include a cold or other viral infection, bacterial infections such as strep throat, or mouth breathing. Allergies, acid reflux, yelling, spicy foods, and smoking can also irritate the throat.

When To Worry About a Sore Throat

A sore throat isn't a common symptom of kidney cancer. However, contact your healthcare provider right away if your sore throat occurs along with trouble breathing, high fever, difficulty swallowing, a rash, bloody saliva, or a bulge in the back of your throat. These symptoms may be signs of a serious condition that needs prompt medical care.

Most sore throats go away in about a week. Contact your doctor if yours lasts longer, affects your quality of life, or makes it hard to eat or drink. They can pinpoint the cause and recommend strategies to help.

If a sore throat makes it difficult to eat a nutritious diet and contributes to unwanted weight loss, your doctor may refer you to a registered dietitian.

Join the Conversation

On MyKidneyCancerTeam, people share their experiences with kidney cancer, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

Have you experienced a sore throat with kidney cancer? Let others know in the comments below.