What is the usual indication for radical nephrectomy?

Radical nephrectomy is a surgical procedure primarily indicated for the treatment of renal cell carcinoma, particularly in stages 2 and 3. In these stages, the cancer is generally localized within the kidney and has not yet spread to distant organs or significant regional structures. The goal of radical nephrectomy in this context is to remove the entire kidney, along with surrounding tissues and possibly regional lymph nodes, to ensure complete removal of the tumor and reduce the risk of recurrence.

In contrast, other conditions listed, such as stage 4 renal cancer, typically would not rely solely on radical nephrectomy due to the advanced nature of the disease, which may have metastasized. The management of kidney stones is usually handled through different interventions, such as lithotripsy or ureteroscopy, rather than nephrectomy. Similarly, benign tumors are often treated with less radical approaches, as complete removal of the kidney is not necessary for benign growths that do not pose a significant health risk. Thus, the primary indication for radical nephrectomy aligns with the treatment of localized stages of renal cell carcinoma, specifically stages 2 and 3, making this choice the most appropriate.