Renal cancer is when cancerous cells form in the kidney tubules. Low back pain, blood in the urine, loss of appetite, and fatigue are some of the signs and symptoms of the disease. It can be diagnosed by conducting a combination of the following tests:

• Physical examination and background history
  The doctor may perform a general physical examination to determine the status of the patient’s health and identify the presence of any unusual lumps. The patient’s medical history is also thoroughly examined for their habits, past medical conditions as well as treatment. The doctors may question the patient to know about any family history of renal cancer or the von Hippel-Lindau disease. The doctor may also ask if the patient was in pain or noticed blood in their urine.
• Blood tests
  Although blood tests are not enough to diagnose renal cancer, they help in diagnosing whether there are any indications of renal cancer.
• Urinalysis
  A urine sample is taken to test its color and the levels of protein, red blood cells, white blood cells, and sugar.
• Ultrasound
  This procedure involves using high-energy sound waves that are bounced off on the patient’s internal organs or tissues to make echoes. This test enables doctors to identify the presence of any tumors. Ultrasounds also enable doctors to see whether the kidney is filled with fluids or a solid mass, along with enabling them to differentiate between a malignant and a benign tumor.
• CT scan
  This procedure takes detailed images of the abdomen and pelvis from different angles. Doctors may also orally administer or inject a dye to enhance the imagery and make certain areas of the kidneys stand out. A CT scan can provide precise information about the tumor, like its size, shape, and location. It also enables doctors to determine whether cancer has spread to the surrounding tissues and lymph nodes.
• MRI
  This procedure makes used of a magnet, computer, and radio waves to take images of the internal organs of the body. An MRI can help detect any tumors in the kidneys.
• PET scan
  This scan is the most accurate, non-invasive way to tell whether a tumor is benign or malignant, without the need for expensive and often painful diagnostic surgeries. PET can inspect all the organs of the body to check whether cancer has spread to the surrounding tissues, lymph nodes, or bones.
• Biopsy
  This procedure involves taking a tissue sample from the kidney to detect the presence of any cancer cells. In the case of renal cancer, a biopsy is done only if the imaging tests are not clear enough for a proper diagnosis.
• Intravenous pyelogram
  In this diagnostic process, a special dye is injected, and an X-ray of the urinary system is taken to identify any abnormalities.
• Chest X-ray
  Once renal cancer has been diagnosed, doctors may prescribe a chest x-ray to check whether cancer has spread to the lungs.
• Bone scan
  A bone scan is performed to check whether cancer has spread from the kidneys to the bones.