Final answer:
Kidney cancer commonly metastasizes to the lungs, bones, liver, and brain. The diagnostic study of choice is a CT scan, widely regarded as the gold-standard for tumor detection, while a biopsy confirms the diagnosis and assists in treatment planning.
Step-by-step explanation:
Common Metastasis Sites for Kidney Cancer and Diagnostic Study of Choice
Kidney cancer is known to metastasize, with the most common sites for metastases being the lungs, bones, liver, and occasionally the brain. Metastasis indicates that cancer cells have spread from the primary site to other parts of the body. When it comes to the diagnostic study of choice for detecting kidney cancer, the computed tomography (CT or CAT scan) is commonly used and considered the gold-standard due to its high level of accuracy in identifying tumors.
A biopsy plays a critical role in the diagnosis of cancer, wherein a tissue sample is removed and examined to determine if cancer cells are present. The biopsy results can help in assessing the nature of the kidney tumor and guide the appropriate treatment strategy.
Understanding metastases is crucial to cancer treatment, as early detection and diagnosis can significantly affect the prognosis. The identification of common cancer risk factors also plays an important part in the prevention and early detection of kidney cancer, potentially improving patient outcomes.