Comparison of Computerized Tomography, Ultrasound and Angiography in Staging Renal Cell Carcinoma

Abstract

Renal cell carcinoma was staged prospectively with computerized tomography, ultrasonography and angiography in 23 [human] cases. Staging was correct with computerized tomography in 91% of the lesions (21 of 23), with ultrasound in 70% (16 of 23) and with angiography in 61% (14 of 23). Computerized tomography of the abdomen is the optimal technique to stage renal cell carcinoma and to determine adjacent organ invasion, lymph node metastases and venous extension. When computerized tomography is not available ultrasonography provides a useful alternative to angiography in preoperative tumor assessment in many cases.