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Intravenous Pyelogram

Intravenous Pyelogram Introduction

Intravenous pyelography refers to a series of x-rays taken of the kidneys, their collecting or drainage system (the ureters), and the bladder. The ureters are the small tubelike structures that connect the kidneys to the bladder.

  • An intravenous pyelogram (IVP) may be performed to detect a problem of the kidneys, ureters, and bladder. Most often, the IVP is done to locate a suspected obstruction to the flow of urine through the collecting system. The most common cause of blockage is a kidney stone. The IVP test also gives information about the functioning of the kidneys.
  • In an IVP test, dye is injected via a catheter inserted in a person's vein, usually on the hand or the forearm. X-rays are then taken to follow the track of the dye through the system.



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Intravenous Pyelogram

Renal Cell Cancer Overview

The kidneys are a pair of organs located just above the waist on either side of the backbone. Their job is to filter excess water and waste products from the blood. The water and waste drain from each kidney through a tube called a ureter to the bladder and are eliminated from the body as urine. The kidneys also produce substances that help control blood pressure and formation of red blood cells.  

Several different types of cancer can develop in the kidney. Conventional or clear cell renal cell cancer, also known as renal cell carcinoma, is by far the most common type of kidney cancer in adults. Renes is the Latin word for kidney. Renal cell carcinoma accounts for about 85% of cancers arising from the kidney. Renal cell carcinoma develops in the tubules of the kidney, part of the filtering system.

Cancer occurs when normal cells undergo a transformation. During this transformation, the cells grow and multiply without no...

Read the Renal Cell Cancer article »



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