Top 7 Ways to Check if you have Kidney Cancer

Kidney cancer occurs when the renal cells in one or both the kidneys begin to multiply at a rapid speed resulting in the formation of a large number of immature cancer cells. Here are 7 ways to check if you have kidney cancer.

7. Initial warning symptoms

Cells forming a cancer mass can affect the functions of the kidneys resulting in symptoms such as increased frequency of urination and blood in the urine. These initial warning signs should raise a suspicion of kidney cancer. [1]

6. General symptoms

Like most other forms of cancer, kidney cancer may cause a few general symptoms such as loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss, fever, and tiredness. It is often accompanied by persistent pain in the back or sides indicating the symptoms could be due to the involvement of the kidneys. [2]

5. Urine test

One of the best ways to check if you have kidney cancer is to perform urine analysis. The presence of blood and cancerous cells in the urine could help in the diagnosis of this condition. [3]

4. CT scan

CT scan with or without contrast would provide x-ray images of kidney tissues that could help to detect the presence of cancer mass. Other imaging methods like MRI could be helpful for confirming the diagnosis. [4]

3. Renal arteriogram

Renal arteriogram can help to assess the blood supply to the cancer mass. Reduced blood flow to a part of the kidney as revealed by the arteriogram could be a sign of a tumor. [5]

2. Ultrasound examination

Ultrasound examination of the abdomen would provide images of the kidneys that can help to detect the presence of an abnormal mass. It would also help to assess whether the mass in the kidneys is a solid tumor or a fluid-filled cyst. [6]

1. Biopsy

A small sample of kidney tissues can be removed during a biopsy test and sent to a laboratory to confirm or rule out kidney cancer. Immature cells can be detected during the microscopic examination of the biopsy material in patients with kidney cancer. [7]

 Conclusion

The early warning signs of kidney cancer can help in the probable diagnosis of kidney cancer. It is advisable to undergo laboratory and imaging tests discussed above to confirm the diagnosis.