Kidney Cancer Diagnosis

In order to make a kidney cancer diagnosis, the doctor will typically ask about the patient's personal and family medical history, perform a physical exam, and recommend additional tests and procedures. During the physical exam, the doctor will usually test for fever and high blood pressure, and feel the abdomen and side for tumors. Exams and tests that are used to make a kidney cancer diagnosis may include urine tests, blood tests, intravenous pyelogram, and a computed tomography scan.

 

Kidney Cancer Diagnosis: An Introduction

If a person has possible kidney cancer symptoms, the doctor will most likely need to:
 
  • Ask about the patient's personal and family medical history
  • Perform a physical exam
  • Recommend additional tests and procedures that examine the kidney.

 

(Click Kidney Cancer Symptoms for more information about the symptoms of kidney cancer.)

 

Kidney Cancer Diagnosis: Physical Exam and History

During the physical exam, the doctor will usually check for general signs of health and test for fever and high blood pressure. The doctor may also feel the abdomen and side for tumors. The medical history will typically involve questions about the patient's health habits and occupation, and a family history of any medical conditions, past illnesses, and treatments.
 

Kidney Cancer Diagnosis: Exams and Tests

Exams and tests that are used to make a kidney cancer diagnosis may include:
 
  • Urine tests
  • Blood tests
  • Intravenous pyelogram (IVP)
  • Computed tomography (CT) scan
  • Ultrasound
  • Biopsy
  • Surgery.
(Kidney Cancer Diagnosis Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD