Understanding Kidney Cancer: Signs, Symptoms, and Diagnosis

When it comes to diagnosing kidney cancer, imaging tests such as CT scans and MRI are crucial in detecting the growths on the kidneys. A high-quality 'kidney mass protocol' CT scan can show a right kidney tumor and measure its intensity using Hounsfield Units (HU). An increase of more than 20HU indicates that the mass is suspicious for cancer.

It's essential to have a good quality imaging test, such as a CT or MRI, and have it read by experts - a radiologist and urologist who specialize in kidney tumors. The growth on the kidney can appear solid on the imaging and 'pick up' dye during scans, which is known as enhancement.

Cysts are another common finding on kidney scans, but they can be benign or cancerous. Cysts are graded using the Bosniak Classification system, with lesions 1 and 2 likely being benign, while lesions 3 and 4 are more likely to be cancerous.

Not all growths on the kidney are cancerous, and many are detected incidentally during scans for unrelated problems. The increased use of ultrasound, CT scan, and MRI has led to the detection of more 'small' kidney tumors.

In addition to imaging tests, other diagnostic evaluations may include PET scans, bone scans, and evaluations of the brain, depending on symptoms and initial study results. Comprehensive blood work and imaging of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis are also typically obtained.

The first step in diagnosing kidney cancer is to obtain a 'staging' evaluation to determine the extent of the disease. It's essential for patients to learn about this disease and enlist the help of an experienced team of physicians to ensure the best possible treatment outcomes.

In fact, about one-third of kidney cancers are diagnosed after the disease has spread to other organs. Understanding kidney cancer and its diagnosis can alleviate some anxiety and uncertainty for patients and their families.

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