The evaluation of an enchondroma begins with a medical history and physical examination.

Physical findings in someone with an enchondroma may include:

• An area of tenderness overlying the bone (often the hand)
• An area of swelling overlying the bone (often the hand)
• Sometimes a bone tumor is discovered when a fracture occurs after a minor injury.

This diagnosis of enchondroma must be confirmed through testing.

Tests that may be used to evaluate enchondroma include:

• Alkaline phosphatase level
• Serum calcium levels
• SGOT level
• Bone x-rays:
• Usually the first test to detect a bone tumor
• Bone biopsy: sample of bone cells to determine the presence of cancer
• Nuclear bone scan:
• Can easily detect abnormal areas of bone
• CT scanning of the bones:
• Shows many abnormalities of bone
• MRI scanning of the bones:
• Gives the best detail of soft tissues