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Kidney Cancer - Diagnosis

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How was your kidney cancer diagnosed?

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Diagnosis

If a patient has symptoms that suggest kidney cancer, the doctor may perform one or more of the following procedures:

  • Physical exam: The doctor checks general signs of health and tests for fever and high blood pressure. The doctor also feels the abdomen and side for tumors.
  • Urine tests: Urine is checked for blood and other signs of disease.
  • Blood tests: The lab checks the blood to see how well the kidneys are working. The lab may check the level of several substances, such as creatinine. A high level of creatinine may mean the kidneys are not doing their job.
  • Intravenous pyelogram (IVP): The doctor injects dye into a vein in the arm. The dye travels through the body and collects in the kidneys. The dye makes them show up on x-rays. A series of x-rays then tracks the dye as it moves through the kidneys to the ureters and bladder. The x-rays can show a kidney tumor or other problems.
  • CT scan (CAT scan): An x-ray machine linked to a computer takes a series of detailed pictures of the kidneys. The patient may receive an injection of dye so the kidneys show up clearly in the pictures. A CT scan can show a kidney tumor.
  • Ultrasound test: The ultrasound device uses sound waves that people cannot hear. The waves bounce off the kidneys, and a computer uses the echoes to create a picture called a sonogram. A solid tumor or cyst shows up on a sonogram.
  • Biopsy: In some cases, the doctor may do a biopsy. A biopsy is the removal of tissue to look for cancer cells. The doctor inserts a thin needle through the skin into the kidney to remove a small amount of tissue. The doctor may use ultrasound or x-rays to guide the needle. A pathologist uses a microscope to look for cancer cells in the tissue.
  • Surgery: In most cases, based on the results of the CT scan, ultrasound, and x-rays, the doctor has enough information to recommend surgery to remove part or all of the kidney. A pathologist makes the final diagnosis by examining the tissue under a microscope.
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See what others are saying

Comment from: Lisa, 35-44 Female (Patient) Published: March 26

My kidney cancer was discovered when I had an ultrasound to determine the due date of my baby. They were looking at the baby and found a tumor that had taken over one kidney. I had no symptoms. I'd had an ultrasound with my previous son only six months before and there was no evidence of a tumor. Within a few weeks, I had my kidney removed and was fortunate enough that I did not require additional treatment, and was able to continue on with my pregnancy. I now have an amazing little boy who saved my life.

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Comment from: happytracks, 65-74 Female (Patient) Published: May 13

I am a four-year dialysis patient. Two months ago, my nephrologist ordered a kidney scan. The results showed a tumor on my left kidney; I was told it was cancer. No biopsy has been taken, and I have doubts. My doctor said if it was not cancer it would have some kind of drainage in it. He sent me to another nephrologist, who bluntly said I have kidney cancer by looking at my scan. I am not satisfied about this matter. Thus far, I have no pain, and I can't be put to sleep due to a high allergy to anesthesia. I need advice. I have dialysis every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday year round.

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