To detect and diagnose renal cell cancer using tests that examine the abdomen and kidneys
You can use the following tests and procedures:
Physical exam and history: An exam of the body to check general health and identify any signs of disease, such as lumps or anything else that seems unusual. Also recorded data on patient health habits and past illnesses and treatments.
Studies of blood chemistry : A procedure which checks a blood sample to measure the amounts of certain substances released into it by the organs and tissues of the body. An unusual (higher or lower than normal) amount of a substance can be a sign of disease in the organ or tissue that makes it.
Urinalysis : A test to determine the color of urine and its contents, such as sugar, protein, red blood cells and white blood cells .
Liver function test : A procedure which checks a blood sample to measure the amount of enzymes released into the blood by the liver . A number abnormal of an enzyme may be a sign that the cancer has spread to the liver. Certain diseases that are not cancer may also increase concentrations of liver enzymes.
Intravenous pyelogram (IVP): A series of radiographs of the kidneys, ureters and bladder to determine if cancer is found in these organs. It injects a dye into the vein. As of this dye moves through the kidneys, ureters and bladder, x-rays to see if there is any obstruction.
Ultrasound : A procedure which bounce high-energy sound waves (ultrasound) off internal tissues or organs and make echoes. The echoes form a picture of body tissues on a screen.
CT scan (CAT scan): A procedure that makes a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body from different angles. The images are created by a computer linked to an x-ray machine Dye is injected into a vein or swallowed to help the organs or tissues show up more clearly. This procedure is also called computed tomography or CT scan.
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging): A procedure that uses a magnet, radio waves and a computer to create a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body. This procedure is also called nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (NMRI).
Biopsy : The removal of cells or tissues so that a pathologist viewed under a microscope for signs of cancer. To perform a biopsy of renal cell cancer, a thin needle is inserted into the tumor and removes a tissue sample.