Wilms Tumor Medical Tests & Diagnosis

Conditions & Diseases: Cancers

Kidney Cancer - Wilms' Tumor

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:

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.
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.
Creatinine clearance. This is a test that compares the level of creatinine from the urine with the one from the blood.

Imaging Tests

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.
Abdominal X-ray is an imaging test that uses high energy electromagnetic radiation to penetrate the body and create the inside image on a 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.
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.
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.
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, provides useful information regarding the extend of the cancer.
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.
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.
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