A-Z of Diagnostic Tests, Imaging & Laboratory Investigation Terms

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Biochemistry Panel

A biochemistry panel is a group of blood tests used to evaluate organ function, electrolyte balance, and overall health. In children with Wilms tumor, biochemistry testing helps assess kidney function, liver function, hydration status, and treatment-related side effects. These results assist healthcare teams in diagnosing disease, planning treatment, and monitoring recovery throughout the cancer journey.

 

Bone Scan

A bone scan is a nuclear medicine imaging test used to identify abnormalities within the bones. Although bone involvement is uncommon in Wilms tumor, a bone scan may occasionally be performed if symptoms suggest possible metastatic disease. The scan helps detect areas of increased bone activity that may require further investigation.

 

Chest CT Scan

A Chest CT Scan is one of the most important imaging studies used during Wilms tumor staging. The test provides highly detailed images of the lungs and chest structures and is commonly used to detect pulmonary metastases. Because the lungs are the most frequent site of metastatic Wilms tumor, chest CT imaging plays a critical role in determining disease stage and treatment planning.

 

Chest X-Ray

A Chest X-Ray is a diagnostic imaging test that uses low-dose radiation to create images of the lungs and chest. While chest CT scans provide greater detail, chest X-rays may still be used during diagnosis, follow-up care, or surveillance to assess lung health and identify abnormalities requiring additional evaluation.

 

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

A Complete Blood Count (CBC) is a routine blood test that measures red blood cells, white blood cells, hemoglobin, and platelets. CBC testing helps identify anemia, infection risk, bleeding disorders, and treatment-related complications. It is one of the most frequently performed laboratory investigations throughout Wilms tumor diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship.

 

Contrast CT Scan

A Contrast CT Scan is a CT scan performed using a special contrast agent that improves visualization of organs, blood vessels, and tumors. In Wilms tumor, contrast-enhanced CT imaging helps define tumor size, location, blood vessel involvement, and potential spread to nearby tissues. The information obtained is essential for staging and surgical planning.

 

Contrast MRI

A Contrast MRI uses a contrast agent to enhance the detail and clarity of magnetic resonance images. This imaging technique can provide additional information about tumor characteristics, surrounding tissues, and vascular involvement. Contrast MRI is particularly useful when precise anatomical detail is required for treatment planning.

 

Creatinine

Creatinine is a waste product produced by normal muscle activity and removed from the body by the kidneys. Blood creatinine levels are commonly measured to assess kidney function in children with Wilms tumor. Elevated creatinine levels may indicate impaired renal function and can influence treatment decisions, medication dosing, and long-term follow-up strategies.

 

Diagnostic Imaging

Diagnostic imaging refers to the collection of medical imaging techniques used to identify, evaluate, and monitor disease. In Wilms tumor, diagnostic imaging commonly includes ultrasound, CT scans, MRI scans, chest imaging, and other specialized studies. Imaging plays a central role in diagnosis, staging, treatment planning, and surveillance.

 

Diagnostic Pathway

The diagnostic pathway describes the series of evaluations and tests used to confirm a Wilms tumor diagnosis. This process typically includes symptom assessment, physical examination, imaging studies, laboratory testing, pathological review, and multidisciplinary evaluation. A structured diagnostic pathway helps ensure accurate diagnosis and timely treatment initiation.

 

Doppler Ultrasound

A Doppler Ultrasound is a specialized ultrasound technique used to evaluate blood flow within blood vessels. In Wilms tumor, Doppler imaging may help assess whether the tumor has affected major blood vessels, including the renal vein or inferior vena cava. This information can be important for surgical planning and staging.

 

Echocardiogram

An echocardiogram is an ultrasound examination of the heart. Children receiving certain chemotherapy drugs, particularly doxorubicin, may undergo echocardiographic monitoring to assess heart function before, during, and after treatment. Echocardiograms play an important role in identifying potential cardiac side effects and supporting long-term survivorship care.

 

Electrocardiogram (ECG)

An Electrocardiogram (ECG) is a test that records the electrical activity of the heart. ECGs may be performed before treatment begins or during follow-up care to monitor cardiac health. The test is painless, non-invasive, and commonly used alongside echocardiograms when evaluating children receiving potentially cardiotoxic therapies.

 

Electrolytes

Electrolytes are minerals such as sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate that help regulate fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle activity. Electrolyte testing is routinely performed in children with Wilms tumor to monitor kidney function, hydration status, and treatment-related complications. Abnormal electrolyte levels may require medical intervention.

 

Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR)

Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) is a calculation used to estimate how effectively the kidneys are filtering waste products from the blood. eGFR is an important indicator of kidney health and may be monitored in children undergoing treatment for Wilms tumor or participating in long-term survivorship programs.

 

Follow-Up Imaging

Follow-up imaging refers to scans performed after treatment to monitor recovery, assess treatment response, and detect recurrence. Depending on the individual situation, follow-up imaging may include ultrasound, chest imaging, CT scans, or MRI scans. Regular imaging surveillance helps identify problems early and supports ongoing survivorship care.

 

Histopathology

Histopathology is the microscopic examination of tissue samples to identify disease characteristics. In Wilms tumor, histopathological analysis provides essential information about tumor type, histology, treatment response, and risk classification. Histopathology remains one of the most important components of accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.

 

Kidney Function Tests

Kidney function tests are laboratory investigations used to evaluate how effectively the kidneys filter waste products and maintain fluid balance. These tests often include creatinine, urea, electrolyte measurements, and urine analysis. Monitoring kidney function is essential throughout Wilms tumor treatment and survivorship.

 

Laboratory Investigations

Laboratory investigations include blood tests, urine tests, and other diagnostic analyses used to assess overall health and support medical decision-making. Laboratory testing provides valuable information about organ function, treatment response, infection risk, and potential complications. These investigations form an essential part of comprehensive cancer care.

 

Liver Function Tests (LFTs)

Liver Function Tests (LFTs) are blood tests used to assess the health and performance of the liver. Although Wilms tumor originates in the kidneys, liver function testing may be performed during diagnosis and treatment to monitor overall health, identify metastatic disease, and evaluate treatment-related effects.

 

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of internal organs and tissues. MRI is particularly useful for evaluating tumor extent, vascular involvement, and complex anatomical structures. Because MRI does not use ionizing radiation, it is an important imaging tool in pediatric oncology.

 

Multidisciplinary Review

A multidisciplinary review involves specialists from multiple healthcare disciplines meeting to discuss a patient's diagnosis and treatment plan. In Wilms tumor care, these reviews may include oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, pathologists, nephrologists, and other specialists. Multidisciplinary review helps ensure that treatment decisions are comprehensive and evidence-based.

 

Pathology Review

A pathology review is the detailed examination of tumor tissue by a pathologist. This process confirms the diagnosis, determines histological subtype, identifies features such as anaplasia, and helps guide treatment recommendations. Accurate pathology review is essential because treatment protocols often depend on pathological findings.

 

PET Scan

A PET Scan (Positron Emission Tomography Scan) is a specialized imaging test that evaluates metabolic activity within tissues. PET scans are not routinely used in standard Wilms tumor diagnosis but may occasionally be considered in complex cases or research settings. The scan can help identify areas of active disease that require further assessment.

 

Physical Examination

A physical examination is often the first step in diagnosing Wilms tumor. During the examination, healthcare professionals assess the child's overall health and look for signs such as abdominal masses, swelling, high blood pressure, or other abnormalities. Physical examination findings help determine which additional investigations may be required.

 

Radiologist

A Radiologist is a physician who specializes in interpreting medical imaging studies such as ultrasounds, CT scans, MRI scans, and X-rays. Radiologists play a crucial role in diagnosing Wilms tumor, determining disease stage, evaluating treatment response, and supporting long-term surveillance.

 

Radiology

Radiology is the medical specialty responsible for the use and interpretation of diagnostic imaging technologies. Radiology provides essential information for the diagnosis, staging, treatment planning, and follow-up of Wilms tumor. Advances in radiology have significantly improved the ability to detect and monitor childhood kidney cancers.

 

Surveillance Imaging

Surveillance imaging refers to scheduled imaging studies performed after treatment to monitor for recurrence and evaluate long-term health. Depending on the child's treatment history and risk factors, surveillance may include ultrasound, chest imaging, CT scans, or MRI scans. Surveillance imaging is a key component of survivorship care.

 

Tumor Assessment

Tumor assessment is the process of evaluating the size, location, extent, and characteristics of a Wilms tumor. Assessment may involve physical examination, imaging studies, laboratory testing, and pathological analysis. Accurate tumor assessment is essential for determining disease stage and selecting the most appropriate treatment approach.

 

Ultrasound

An Ultrasound is usually the first imaging test performed when Wilms tumor is suspected. Using sound waves to create images of internal organs, ultrasound can identify kidney tumors without exposing children to radiation. It is safe, painless, widely available, and remains one of the most important diagnostic tools in childhood kidney cancer care.

 

Urinalysis

Urinalysis is a laboratory test that examines urine for signs of blood, infection, protein abnormalities, and other indicators of kidney or urinary tract disease. Urinalysis may be performed during the diagnostic evaluation of Wilms tumor and throughout treatment to monitor kidney health and detect potential complications.

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Urea

Urea is a waste product produced when the body breaks down proteins. The kidneys normally remove urea from the bloodstream and excrete it in urine. Measuring blood urea levels helps healthcare professionals evaluate kidney function and monitor for potential renal complications associated with Wilms tumor or its treatment.