Kidney Cancer Diagnosis

In order to diagnose kidney cancer, 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 diagnosis may include urine tests, blood tests, intravenous pyelogram, and a computed tomography scan.

Kidney Cancer Information

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.)

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.

Exams and Tests

Exams and tests that are used to diagnose kidney cancer may include:

Urine tests
Blood tests
Intravenous pyelogram (IVP)
Computed tomography (CT) scan
Ultrasound
Biopsy
Surgery.

Urine Tests

The urine will be checked for blood and other signs of disease.

(Kidney Cancer Diagnosis Continued: Page 2)