What is the earliest sensitive indicator of metastasis for renal cell carcinoma?

Not clear cut: There is no special test that is an early sensitive indicator. The current guidelines after removal of a kidney tumor is exam, ldh and other blood test and ct scan. In many tumors we have found that routine testing is not a great help. A key idea is that any symptoms that is new or worrisome should be investigated quickly. Target the test to the symptom.

Agree with Dr, B.: Renal cell carcinoma does not have a reliable blood marker to monitor the tumor size, as is available for some other tumor types. MRI imaging would be an early indicator, but it is not a convenient way to repeatedly perform expensive imaging studies.