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Tests for kidney cancer
If your doctor suspects kidney cancer, you may have some of the following tests but you are unlikely to need them all.
It may take up to a week to receive your test results. If you feel anxious while waiting for test results, try talking to a close friend or relative, or call Cancer Council 13 11 20 for support.
Learn more about:
Blood and urine tests
You will probably have urine and blood tests to check your general health and look for signs of a problem in the kidneys. These tests do not diagnose kidney cancer.
They may include:
- a complete count of the three types of blood cells: red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets
- tests to check how your kidneys are working
- blood chemistry tests to measure certain chemicals – high levels of the enzyme alkaline phosphatase could be a sign that kidney cancer has spread to the bones.
Podcast: Tests and Cancer
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More resources
A/Prof Daniel Moon, Urologic Surgeon, Australian Urology Associates, and Honorary Clinical Associate Professor, The University of Melbourne, VIC; Polly Baldwin, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council SA; Ian Basey, Consumer; Gregory Bock, Urology Cancer Nurse Coordinator, WA Cancer and Palliative Care Network, North Metropolitan Health Service, WA; Tina Forshaw, Advanced Practice Nurse Urology, Canberra Health Services, ACT; Dr Suki Gill, Radiation Oncologist, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, WA; Karen Walsh, Nurse Practitioner, Urology Services, St Vincents Private Hospital Northside, QLD; Dr Alison Zhang, Medical Oncologist, Chris O’Brien Lifehouse and Macquarie University Hospital, NSW.
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