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Computed Tomography (CT or CAT) Scan of the Kidney (Renal CT Scan) Procedure Overview What is a CT or CAT scan of the kidney? Computed tomography (CT or CAT scan) is a noninvasive diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a combination of x-rays and computer technology to produce cross-sectional images (often called slices), both horizontally and vertically, of the body. A CT scan shows detailed images of any part of the body, including the bones, muscles, fat, and organs. CT scans are more detailed than s...

Kidney Biopsy (Biopsy-Kidney, Renal Biopsy, Biopsy-Renal, Needle Aspiration of the Kidney, Percutaneous Kidney Biopsy) Procedure Overview What is a kidney biopsy? A biopsy is a procedure performed to remove tissue or cells from the body for examination under a microscope. During a kidney biopsy, tissue samples are removed with a special needle to determine if cancer or other abnormal cells are present, or to determine how well the kidney is working. There are two types of kidney biopsies: needle biopsy ...

Kidney Scan (Renal Scan, Renogram, Renal Scintigraphy) Procedure Overview What is a kidney scan? A kidney scan is a specialized radiology procedure used to assess the function and structure of the kidneys, as well as the perfusion (blood flow) to the kidney tissue. A kidney scan is a type of nuclear radiology procedure. This means that a tiny amount of a radioactive substance is used during the procedure to assist in the examination of the kidneys. The radioactive substance, called a radionuclide (radio...

Kidney Ultrasound (Renal Ultrasound, Kidney Ultrasonography, Kidney Echography) Procedure Overview What is a kidney ultrasound? A kidney ultrasound is a noninvasive (the skin is not pierced) procedure used to assess the size, shape, and location of the kidneys. Ultrasound technology allows quick visualization of the kidneys and related structures from outside the body. Ultrasound may also be used to assess blood flow to the kidneys. A kidney ultrasound uses a handheld probe called a transducer that send...

Kidney, Ureter, and Bladder X-ray (KUB [Kidneys, Ureters, Bladder], KUB X-ray, Flat Plate of the Abdomen X-ray) Procedure Overview What is a kidneys, ureter, and bladder x-ray? A kidney, ureter, and bladder (KUB) x-ray may be performed to assess the abdominal area for causes of abdominal pain, or to assess the organs and structures of the urinary and/or gastrointestinal (GI) system. A KUB x-ray may be the first diagnostic procedure used to assess the urinary system. X-rays use invisible electromagnetic ...

Bladder Cancer What is bladder cancer? Bladder cancer occurs when there are abnormal, cancerous cells growing in the bladder. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), 70,980 cases of bladder cancer will be diagnosed in the US in 2009. Bladder cancer affects men about three times more often than women, and it occurs in Caucasians twice as often as in African Americans. The risk of bladder cancer increases with age - over 70 percent of people who are diagnosed with it are older than 65. Click Image...

Kidney Cancer Click Image to Enlarge What is kidney cancer? Most cancers are named after the part of the body where the cancer first begins, and kidney cancer is no exception. Kidney cancer begins in the kidneys - two large, bean-shaped organs - one located to the left, and the other to the right of the backbone. Renal is the Latin word for kidney, and kidney cancer may also be referred to as renal cancer. About 57,760 persons in the US are expected to be diagnosed with kidney and pelvic renal cancers i...

Lance Armstrong's Cancer Inspired Foundation's Work To win the Tour de France seven years in a row, Lance Armstrong beat exhausting 2,300-mile courses, dozens of competitors—and cancer. His victory over that feared disease makes him a cancer survivor first and a cyclist second, he says. "I feel like I have the obligation to tell my story," says Armstrong, whose experience inspired the Lance Armstrong Foundation and a new job as an advocate for those affected by cancer. The Lance Armstrong Foundation is ...

Questions for Men About Prostate Cancer Q. What is prostate cancer? A. Prostate cancer is a malignancy that develops from cells of the prostate gland that may eventually spread outside the gland to other parts of the body. It is one of the most common types of cancer among American men. It is usually found in men older than 65. The prostate gland is about the size of a walnut and is behind the base of the penis and under the bladder. The main function of the prostate is to make fluid that carries sperm....