Can kidney cancer be diagnosed with a CT scan?

Written by Wang Shuai

Urology

Updated on February 15, 2025

00:00

00:00

If you have kidney cancer, preoperative examinations, including ultrasound, CT, and even MRI, cannot definitively diagnose the cancer. These preoperative tests primarily provide diagnostic references. To confirm a diagnosis of kidney cancer, a biopsy via renal tumor puncture must be performed, or after surgery, the specimen should be sent for pathological examination to be definitively diagnosed based on the pathology results. This is because the pathology results clarify the type of tumor cells and their grading, making the pathological examination the final and most accurate diagnostic result.

Other Voices

home-news-image

Written by Wang Jian

Urology

1min 11sec

home-news-image

Is stage II kidney cancer considered early stage?

The staging of kidney cancer is primarily based on the size of the tumor, whether there is lymph node metastasis, involvement of adjacent organs or lymphatic vessels, and metastasis to distant organs. The TNM staging system is commonly used in clinical settings to stage kidney cancer, where "T" represents the depth of tumor invasion, "N" represents the status of lymph node metastasis, and "M" represents distant metastasis. Stage II refers to a tumor with a maximum diameter greater than seven centimeters but confined to the kidney. Stage II is further divided into stage IIA and stage IIB. Stage IIA refers to a tumor with a maximum diameter greater than seven centimeters but less than ten centimeters, confined to the kidney. Stage IIB refers to a tumor with a maximum diameter greater than ten centimeters, but still confined to the kidney. In the case of stage II kidney cancer, although it is an early stage, curative treatment can be achieved through surgery. Therefore, if diagnosed with stage II kidney cancer, it is vital to pursue aggressive treatment.

home-news-image

Written by Wang Jian

Urology

1min 7sec

home-news-image

What is good to eat after kidney cancer surgery?

If kidney cancer is detected early, it can be cured through surgery. Unlike some malignant tumors, kidney cancer has good treatment outcomes. If the cancer is less than four centimeters in diameter, the five-year survival rate after surgery can exceed 90%. If it is less than seven centimeters, the five-year survival rate after surgery can also reach 80%. Even if the cancer has metastasized to distant sites, removing the kidney can still help the patient's survival. Therefore, the earlier the tumor is detected, the better the treatment outcomes. Kidney cancer surgery is generally done through laparoscopy or open surgery. Postoperative diet should be high in protein, fiber, and nutrients, as the healing of the kidney cancer incision also requires a solid nutritional foundation. It is necessary to eat less spicy and stimulating food, and to maintain a low-salt, low-fat diet. The most important thing for kidney cancer is to have regular follow-ups to understand the recovery situation and check for any recurrence or metastasis of the tumor.

home-news-image

Written by Zou De Bo

Urology

1min 13sec

home-news-image

Difference between Renal Cancer and Renal Pelvis Cancer

First, the sites of the disease are different; renal pelvis cancer usually occurs in the epithelium of the renal pelvis or calyces, while renal cancer typically originates from the epithelial cells of the renal tubules. Second, the presentations are different; hematuria is a common symptom of both renal pelvis cancer and renal cancer. However, in renal pelvis cancer, hematuria can occur early, while in renal cancer, hematuria may not be seen until the tumor has invaded the renal pelvis or calyces. Third, the diagnostic tests are different; the clinical diagnosis of renal cancer heavily relies on CT scans, whereas renal pelvis cancer primarily depends on excretory or retrograde urography, that is, CT urography. Fourth, the CT appearances are different; on CT scans, renal cancer typically shows as a multicystic lesion with more pronounced enhancement during contrast than that seen in renal pelvis cancer. Fifth, the results of cytological examinations are different; cytology of renal pelvis cancer may show positive tumor cells, but renal cancer might test negative.

home-news-image

Written by Zeng Zhong

Urology

44sec

home-news-image

Is vomiting severe in renal cancer?

Patients with kidney cancer who experience vomiting are facing a serious situation because nausea and vomiting are common symptoms among late-stage cancer patients and are often more distressing than the pain from cancer itself. Nausea and vomiting may be side effects of treatment, or they might be caused by cancer invading the digestive and nervous systems. People who are ill often feel anxious, which is also one of the reasons causing vomiting. Cancer patients need to pay extra attention to their diet, as this can greatly aid their treatment. In daily life, it is beneficial to consume more fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, focusing on light meals to ensure a balanced diet and supplement various nutrients.

home-news-image

Written by Wang Shuai

Urology

40sec

home-news-image

Can kidney cancer be diagnosed with a CT scan?

If you have kidney cancer, preoperative examinations, including ultrasound, CT, and even MRI, cannot definitively diagnose the cancer. These preoperative tests primarily provide diagnostic references. To confirm a diagnosis of kidney cancer, a biopsy via renal tumor puncture must be performed, or after surgery, the specimen should be sent for pathological examination to be definitively diagnosed based on the pathology results. This is because the pathology results clarify the type of tumor cells and their grading, making the pathological examination the final and most accurate diagnostic result.