investigation

Last reviewed 01/2018

Investigation of a Wilms' tumour may include:

  • ultrasound is the investigation of choice, confirming the solid or cystic nature of mass, and may provide information about the renal vein or inferior vena caval involvement
  • intravenous urethrogram may demonstrate calyceal distortion by an intrarenal mass, or may show prompt excretion in an enlarged kidney
  • urinalysis - for microscopic haematuria
  • 24 hour urine - catecholamine assay to exclude neuroblastoma
  • needle biopsy - tissue diagnosis; rarely necessary

Staging involves:

  • CT - staging and liver involvement
  • chest radiology - lung metastases
  • bone scan