Diagnosis
An accurate diagnosis may be difficult to establish given that the early stages of renal cancer are asymptomatic. Renal tumors are often discovered incidentally on radiologic imaging performed for an unrelated reason. The increase in medical imaging over the last decades has allowed for the discovery of early stage renal cancer in patients who are asymptomatic.
The first steps taken in order to diagnose this condition are observing any of the signs and symptoms, and an anamnesis (the detailed medical review of past health state) to evaluate any risk factors. Upon physical examination, palpation of the abdomen may reveal the presence of a mass or an organ enlargement.
However, the main diagnostic tool for detecting renal cell carcinoma is ultrasound, CT scanning and MRI of the kidneys. If the ultrasound shows a mass or cyst, a subsequent CT or MRI with intravenous contrast is the optimal test for diagnosis and staging.
Read more about this topic: Renal Cell Carcinoma