Kidney cancer diagnosis

If the doctor suspects kidney cancer, confirmation of the diagnosis begins with the collection of anamnesis and a general examination. Urine and blood tests can reveal indirect signs: anemia, urea in the blood, etc. In addition, a constantly high calcium level in the blood can signify bone destruction, which may indicate bone metastases. The primary diagnostic methods are imaging studies. For example, images of a kidney tumor are obtained using ultrasound, X-ray devices, magnetic fields, or radioactive substances. Ultrasound can determine the presence of any formation in the kidneys and determine whether it is dense or filled with fluid (kidney tumors often have a dense structure). If a biopsy is needed, ultrasound guidance of a needle can often be used to obtain the tumor tissue. One of the most informative diagnosing tools is computed tomography. It helps to assess the tumor size, shape, localization and spread to the lymph nodes and other organs. In addition, chest radiography and osteoscintigraphy are used to determine bone metastases. Unlike other oncological diseases, a biopsy for kidney cancer is rarely performed. Instead, imaging methods usually give the doctor enough information to decide the need for surgery. In cases where surgery is contraindicated, histological examination helps to determine the treatment strategy.