Kidney cancer testing and diagnosis
Understanding the kidney cancer tests and screening options available is a crucial first step. Our comprehensive guide will explain the main kidney cancer tests and screening approaches.
From your initial physical exam or blood tests to advanced imaging tests, you’ll see why kidney cancer tests are essential for early detection, treatment decisions, and long-term health. Knowing what to expect can help you move forward with greater clarity.
Understanding kidney cancer detection
There is currently no national screening programme specifically for kidney cancer in the UK. Most kidney cancers, including renal cell carcinoma, are found by chance during tests for other reasons; these are known as incidental findings. Being aware of early-stage disease signs and symptoms, and of your own risk factors, means you can speak up and seek kidney cancer tests at the right time.
The importance of early investigation
Early detection of kidney cancer, especially in early-stage disease, is associated with the best treatment options and outcomes. In most kidney cancers, finding the cancer before it spreads from the kidney to nearby lymph nodes or other organs makes it easier to treat small kidney cancers with less invasive treatments.
When to see your GP
If you’re experiencing persistent symptoms, such as blood in your urine (haematuria), unexplained weight loss, or flank pain, talk to your GP about kidney cancer tests or an urgent referral for further tests.
Your doctor will consider your risk factors, such as a family history of renal cell cancer, chronic kidney disease, high blood pressure (also called hypertension), or genetic syndromes like von Hippel-Lindau disease, all of which can increase your risk of kidney cancer.
Initial assessment: When you notice changes
Awareness of your body
Keeping track of your general health and body weight, and understanding what’s normal for your urinary system, is the first step in early diagnosis.
Remember, most symptoms related to the kidney, such as bloods in urine or pain, are due to noncancerous kidney tumours or kidney stones. Still, persistent changes should be discussed with a specialist doctor for further assessment.
Common kidney cancer symptoms
Kidney cancer symptoms can vary, but the most common include:
- Blood in your urine (haematuria), often detected during urine tests or kidney cancer screening for high-risk people.
- A persistent pain just below your ribs (flank pain) or in your side or back that doesn’t go away.
- A lump or swelling in the kidney area or lower back.
- Persistent fatigue, loss of appetite, and unexplained weight loss.
- High temperature (fever) is not linked to an infection.
Remember, many kidney cancer patients first notice symptoms by chance. Early investigation means more treatment options and the possibility of treating small kidney cancers through active surveillance or minimally invasive surgery.
Comprehensive diagnostic testing
Visiting your GP
Initial kidney cancer tests, typically start with a physical exam and a review of your general health. Your GP will also conduct urine tests and blood tests to check your kidney function and red blood cells and white blood cells levels. Blood pressure (called hypertension when high) is another key measure since high blood pressure is both a risk factor and sometimes a symptom of kidney disease.
Urine and blood tests
Blood tests and urine tests are important early tests for kidney cancer. They help detect abnormal cells, monitor kidney function, and sometimes uncover an increased risk for developing kidney cancer due to underlying kidney disease, anaemia (low red blood cells), or other factors.
Imaging tests: Seeing the full picture
Ultrasound scan: Sound waves for detailed images
An ultrasound scan is a first-line imaging test that uses sound waves to create images of the kidney and urinary system. It’s a painless and non-invasive way to spot a kidney mass, and can help differentiate between cysts, solid kidney tumours, or rare types of growths.
CT Scan: The gold standard for kidney imaging
A computed tomography (CT scan) is the most common and effective imaging test for diagnosing and staging kidney cancer. This test gives a detailed picture of the kidney and helps to see if cancer cells have invaded nearby lymph nodes, blood vessels (such as the renal vein), or other organs.
MRI scan: Magnetic Resonance Imaging for complex cases
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI scan) offers another detailed imaging technique for the urinary system. It’s especially useful when more information about blood vessels or soft tissues is needed, or for patients who cannot have contrast dye used in CT scans. MRIs are used for visualising the spread to the renal vein or adrenal gland.
Tissue sampling: Confirming the diagnosis
Understanding kidney biopsy procedures
Diagnosing kidney cancer may involve a kidney biopsy, especially when kidney cancer is in question or to differentiate between cancer and other abnormal cells. This is most often performed as a renal mass biopsy (core needle biopsy) with imaging guidance, usually after abnormal areas are seen on a CT scan or ultrasound scan.
Advanced Diagnostic Testing
Staging: Understanding Cancer Spread
If diagnosed with kidney cancer, your medical team will use a combination of CT scan, MRI scan, and sometimes a bone scan or PET scan to see whether the kidney tumour has spread to nearby lymph nodes, lungs (or other abdominal cancers), or distant organs.
Additional imaging for staging
- CT scan of the chest: Necessary because kidney cancer can metastasise to the lungs, which might also be picked up through screening efforts designed for lung cancer.
- Bone scan: Used to see if kidney cancer has spread to your bones.
- PET scan: May be recommended by health professionals in certain cases.
Specialised testing of cancer cells
A detailed analysis of your kidney cancer type is performed on a biopsy or surgical specimen. The most common is clear cell renal cell carcinoma, but other types include papillary renal cell carcinoma, chromophobe renal cell carcinoma, or transitional cell carcinoma.
What to expect: Timeline and results
Kidney cancer patients often want to know when their test results will be available. Your consultant will inform you of when you should receive your test results. Your specialist nurse or consultant will discuss the findings with you and explain what they mean for your next steps or best treatment options.
Supporting your health journey
Preparing for appointments
To help make the most of your visits:
- Gather all questions, a list of medications and any relevant previous test results.
- Have a family member, friend, or specialist nurse for extra support.
- Keep all your health information, including imaging reports and blood tests, in a folder for easy reference.
Managing anxiety and stress
A potential diagnosis, can feel daunting. Remember: many kidney lumps are benign, and even kidney cancer is largely curable if detected early. Support is available from specialist doctors, nurses, cancer charities (such as the National Cancer Institute, Macmillan), and peer support groups.
Moving forward with confidence
With early detection, clear communication with your healthcare team, and access to expert tests for kidney cancer, you can feel in control to make the best decisions at every stage.
Whether you’re managing early-stage disease or advanced kidney cancer, your care pathway will involve both the latest diagnostic methods and compassionate support. Remember, kidney cancer tests, screening, blood tests, imaging, and biopsy are all important steps, not just for those diagnosed with kidney cancer but also for identifying increased risk and ensuring the most effective cancer treatment plan.
We know the benefits of cancer care at home
Our specialist cancer services ensure private medically insured and self-paying patients who want an alternative to hospital can start their treatment faster. We consider all cancer treatments, including those not currently available in hospitals.
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Your guide to kidney cancer treatment
A kidney cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. Rest assured, you’re not alone, and there are many options for managing the condition and tailoring treatment to suit your individual needs.
Our guide is here to help you understand private kidney cancer treatment and the main treatment options available.
