Detection and staging of renal cancer

Although MR imaging is not a first-line modality for detecting renal cancers, it is useful when computed tomography or ultrasound are limited by artifacts or when contrast media cannot be administered because of renal dysfunction or allergy. MR imaging is commonly used in staging renal cancers, particularly in assessing the presence and extent of inferior vena caval thrombus. Additionally, MR imaging can be useful in detecting adenopathy, hepatic metastases, direct organ invasion, and bony metastases to the spine. Thus, MR imaging has an established role in the detection and staging of renal cancers.