- Traditionally, most patients with sporadic RCC are followed every 6 months or yearly with a history and physical examination (H&P), liver function studies, serum chemistry (including alkaline phosphatase), CXR, and abdominal cross-sectional imaging.
- However, contemporary series from M.D. Anderson and the Cleveland Clinic suggest that recurrence is generally a rare event for T1 and T2 lesions. In addition, pulmonary metastasis are most common and usually can be diagnosed by chest radiography. Stage-specific follow-up guidelines have been proposed as follows.
- TI: H&P, serum chemistry, and CXR yearly for 5 years
- T2: H&P, serum chemistry, and CXR every 6 months; abdominal CT scan at 2 and 5 years for 5 years
- T3: H&P, serum chemistry, and CXR at 3 months, then every 6 months; abdominal CT scan at 2 and 5 years
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