Renal Cell Carcinoma (Kidney Cancer)
Medical Tests and Diagnosis
Anamnesis (detailed medical review of past health state):
One of the first steps in establishing a renal cell carcinoma diagnosis
is a detailed and complex medical review of a patient's past health problems
and general health state, family medical history, kidney cancer risk factors,
and symptoms.
Physical examination:
During a physical examination, the doctor looks for noticeable
signs of the kidney cancer such as the high body temperature,
high blood pressure, the presence of any large tumor in the abdominal
cavity.
Laboratory tests
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Urine tests: These set of tests check
for several indicators of the cancer such as blood, sugar,
proteins, and bacteria.
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Blood tests: These set of tests measure
the amount of several kidney cancer indicators, (red blood
cells and creatinine).
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Imaging Techniques
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Computed tomography (CT): This imaging test is
similar with an x-ray test, and creates a detailed cross-sectional
image of the body.
A CT scan is usually performed in two steps for a better diagnoses
outcome:
1). First, the targeted area is scanned without a contrast agent.
2). Second, the targeted area is scanned after a contrast agent was
administrated.
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Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): This imaging
technique is a highly specialized scan that uses radio waves and strong
magnets to reveal a complete image of the kidneys. The energy from
the radio waves is absorbed by the tissues and then revealed into
a recognizable pattern on a special monitor.
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Positron Emission Tomography (PET scan): This
is a very specialized imaging technique that provides useful information
about the tumor location and how far the cancer has spread. The Pet
scan uses radioactive glucose to locate the cancer because the cancerous
cells absorb a higher amount of this substance than normal tissues.
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Bone scan: This is an imaging technique used
to detect whether or not the cancer spread to the bones. During this
test, the patient receives an injection with a radioactive agent that
travels throughout the body and collects in areas where cancerous
cells have been collected.
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Ultrasonography: Ultrasound imaging is a medical
technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to create an interior
image of the body on a special computer screen. During an ultrasound,
the doctor examines the kidneys, ureters, and the bladder. This image
is formed from the echoes of the sound waves on the surface of the
organs. Abnormal tissue masses and organs reflect sound waves differently.
This test involves a device called a transducer that is placed on
the upper part of the abdomen, and a computer that translates this
sound into an image. Ultrasound imaging is a safe, noninvasive and
fast test that can detect kidney tumors.
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Intravenous pyelogram (IVP): This is an x-ray
test that provides images of the urinary tract (the kidneys, bladder,
ureters, and urethra). IVP shows the shape, size and position of the
urinary tract, can evaluate the collecting system inside the kidneys,
and can show any abnormal mass that has developed within the kidneys.
During this test, the patient receives, through an injection in the
arm vein, a dye substance that travels throughout the body and collects
in the kidneys.
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Chest x-ray: An x-ray test uses high energy electromagnetic
radiation to penetrate the body and creates the inside image
on a film. The chest x-ray can reveal tumors of the kidneys, provides
useful information on the general health state of the kidneys, and
determines whether or not the cancer has spread to other organs.
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Angiography: This imaging technique is similar
with a CT scan, and is used to examine the blood vessels. In kidney
cancer patients, the doctor administrates a contrast agent into an
artery (usually the renal artery) that carries the blood to the kidneys.
This contrast agent is absorbed by the cancerous cells and displayed
on an angiogram.
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Biopsy: This is one of the most effective diagnosis
procedures which confirms if the tumor or abnormal growth is a malignant
tissue or not. A biopsy is a medical procedure where a sample of tissue
is removed from the target area.
A tissue sample can be removed by::
- Fine needle aspiration. This procedure involves taking a
sample of tissue from the tumor by using a thin needle attached to
a syringe. Fine needle aspiration is performed only if the tumor can
be easy reached. This procedure is usually performed during an ultrasound
or CT scan that guides the needle. In kidney cancer patients, fine
needle aspiration is the most used procedure of removing a sample
of tissue.
- Core needle biopsy. This procedure is performed under local
anesthesia and involves removing a small cylinder of tumor tissue.
Article by Alina Morrow, MS
Medical Writer
OmniMedicalSearch.com
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