[Diagnosis for renal cell carcinoma]

Today's most important problems in diagnosing renal cell carcinoma are the methods for early detection and correct evaluation of disease stage. For early diagnosis, the abdominal ultrasonic diagnostic method should be used to screen the kidney in regional health checkups and complete medical examinations. In order to improve the accuracy of stage evaluation, various imaging modalities currently available should be used comprehensively. Chest radiography and abdominal CT scanning are especially effective. In detecting metastatic lesions, we should pay special attention to the fact that renal cell carcinomas tend to metastasize to the lung, liver and bone. At present, renal cell carcinoma is diagnosed principally by imaging, also in early diagnosis. It is desirable to establish tumor markers in the near future.