Kidney Cancer - Wilms' Tumor (nephroblastoma)
Medical Tests and Diagnosis
Wilms' tumor symptoms can be signs of other medical conditions and only
a doctor can establish a correct diagnosis. The diagnosis procedure involves
a certain number of steps:
Anamnesis (detailed medical review of past health state):
One of the first steps in establishing a Wilms’ tumor diagnosis
is a detailed and complex medical review of a patient's past health problems
and general health state, family medical history, risk factors, and symptoms.
Physical examination:
During the physical examination, the doctor looks for abdominal masses
that can be felt by touch and also measure the blood pressure.
Laboratory Tests:
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Blood tests: In patients that might suffer
from Wilms' tumor, a complete blood count (CBC) is
performed. This set of tests measures: (1) the number of red
and white blood cells, (2) the total amount of hemoglobin
in the blood, (3) the size of red blood cells, and (4) the
fraction of the blood composed of red blood cells. Another
blood test performed is called serum creatinine,
and it measures the level of creatinine in the blood.
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Urine tests: There are two urine tests
performed in patients with Wilms’ tumor: (1) blood
urea nitrogen (BUN) - this test measures the amount of
nitrogen in the blood that comes from urea (a substance produced
by the liver, which is removed from the blood by the kidneys),
and (2) urinalysis or routine urine test
- is a physical and chemical examination of the urine.
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Creatinine clearance. This is a test
that compares the level of creatinine from the urine with
the one from the blood.
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Imaging Tests
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Abdominal Ultrasound is an easy, noninvasive,
fast, and painless imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound
waves to create an interior image of the body on a special computer
screen. 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. An abdominal ultrasound is one
of the first imaging tests that is performed for children suspected
of having Wilms' tumor.
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Abdominal X-ray is an imaging test that uses
high energy electromagnetic radiation to penetrate the body
and create the interior image on film. An abdominal x-ray can reveal
the presence of kidney tumor(s) and provides useful information regarding
the size, location and the extent of the tumor.
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Chest X-ray is a test similar with the abdominal
x-ray performed in order to reveal if the cancer has spread to other
organs within the chest cavity.
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Intravenous Pyelogram is an x-ray type technique
designed to study the kidneys, bladder, and ureters. During this test,
the patient receives a special contrast agent which is picked up by
the kidney from the blood and collected in the urine. This x-ray reveals
if the kidneys and ureters suffered modifications or if the contrast
agent is distributed differently within the kidneys.
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Computed Tomography (CT) is an imaging test which
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 diagnosis:
1). First, the targeted area is scanned without a contrast agent.
2). Second, the targeted area is scanned after a contrast agent was
administrated. Computed tomography is another effective imaging test
that helps finding abnormal masses within the kidney, and provides
useful information regarding the extend of the cancer.
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Magnetic Resonance Imaging is an imaging technique
which uses radio waves and strong magnets to reveal a complete image
of the liver. The energy from the radio waves is absorbed by the tissues
and then revealed into a recognizable pattern on a special monitor.
This imaging study can reveal if the cancer has spread to other structures
or organs within the body.
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Bone scan is an imaging technique used to detect
whether or not the cancer has affected the bones. During this test,
the patient receives, through an injection, a radioactive agent that
travels throughout the body and collects in areas where cancerous
cells have been collected.
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Biopsy is a medical 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
kidney tumor.
Article by Alina Morrow, MS
Medical Writer
OmniMedicalSearch.com
Page Covers: What are the tests for Wilms Tumor (kidney cancer)?
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