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In most cases, a single tumor develops, although more than one tumor can develop within one or both kidneys. Early diagnosis of kidney cancer is important. Some imaging tests require the injection of a special "tracer" material (dye or low-level radioactive isotope) into the patient's bloodstream. These tests include:- Computed tomography
- Magnetic resonance imaging
- Ultrasound
- Intravenous pyelogram
- Chest X-ray
- Bone scan
Laboratory tests may also be performed, including:- Urinalysis
- Blood tests to detect
- Anemia (too few red blood cells; caused by internal bleeding, a common cancer symptom)
- Polycythemia (too many red blood cells; sometimes caused by cancerous tumors in the kidney that trigger the release of erythropoitin [EPO], a hormone that increases red blood cell production in bone marrow)
- Hypercalcemia (high blood calcium levels) and elevated liver enzymes.
- Cystoscopy (to rule out blood in the urine that results from other health problems such as kidney stones or traumatic kidney injury)
- Fine needle aspiration.
Two or more forms of treatment may be used in combination, such as surgery to remove a primary tumor followed by radiation treatment or chemotherapy to kill cancer cells that may remain in the body. Overall, the 5-year survival rate for RCC (all stages combined) is about 40-45%.
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