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Kidney Cancer : Understanding Your Diagnosis

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Understanding Your Diagnosis

How Does My Doctor Know I Have Kidney Cancer?
Symptoms of kidney cancer can be caused by other, less serious problems. To help rule out these other problems, your doctor asks you questions about any symptoms, risk factors, and family history of kidney disease you have to evaluate your medical history. The doctor then does a physical exam to look for signs of kidney cancer. He or she may check for fever and high blood pressure and feel your abdomen, sides, and back for tumors. These are usually the first steps in diagnosing cancer.
Source:StayWell
Date:November 23, 2004
Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP)
An intravenous pyelogram (IVP) is an x-ray exam of your urinary tract (kidneys, ureters, and bladder). This test can help find stones or other problems with your urinary tract.
Source:StayWell
Date:August 14, 2003
Computed Tomography (CT)
Computed tomography (CT) is a test that combines x-rays and computer scans. The result is a detailed picture that can show problems with soft tissues (such as the lining of your sinuses), organs (such as your kidneys or lungs), and bones.
Source:StayWell
Date:August 14, 2003
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a test that lets your doctor see detailed pictures of the inside of your body. MRI combines the use of strong magnets and radio waves to form an MRI image.
Source:StayWell
Date:August 14, 2003
Abdominal Ultrasound
Abdominal ultrasound is an imaging test that uses sound waves to form pictures of your abdominal organs. It can help detect organ problems, such as gallstones, kidney stones, or liver disease.
Source:StayWell
Date:August 14, 2003
Understanding Your Type of Kidney Cancer
The kidney is made up of many layers of cells. Kidney cancer can affect any one or all of these layers.
Source:StayWell
Date:September 8, 2005
Tests You May Need After You Know You Have Kidney...
Once your doctor knows you have kidney cancer, he or she may request other tests to learn more about your specific type of cancer and to see how widespread it is. Along with previous exams and a biopsy, these can help your doctor know the stage and prognosis of your disease and decide about the most effective types of treatment for you. If you've already had a CT scan or MRI to confirm your diagnosis, these will likely not be repeated.
Source:StayWell
Date:September 8, 2005
X-ray
An x-ray uses a small amount of radiation to create images of your bones and internal organs. X-rays are most often used to detect bone or joint problems, or to check the heart and lungs (chest x-ray).
Source:StayWell
Date:August 14, 2003
Understanding Your Grade and Stage of Kidney Canc...
The biopsy and other tests will help your doctor determine: What the cancer cells look like, called the grade
Source:StayWell
Date:November 23, 2004
Can I Survive Kidney Cancer? What Is My Prognosis?
A prognosis is a statement about the prospect of surviving and recovering from a disease. It may sound harsh to ask the question, "Can I survive this?” But it's a question most people have when they learn they have kidney cancer. Unfortunately, there isn't an easy answer.
Source:StayWell
Date:September 8, 2005
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