The evaluation of renal cell carcinoma begins with a history and physical exam.

Physical findings renal cell carcinoma may include:

• Hematuria:
• Blood in the urine
• Red or pink urine
• Blood clots in the urine
• Enlarged kidney
• Enlarged liver
• Unintentional weight loss

Tests that may be used to evaluate renal cell carcinoma include:

• Serum calcium
• Serum phosphate level
• Complete blood count
• Erythropoietin blood levels
• Kidney profile
• Includes sodium and potassium levels
• Urinalysis
• 24 hour urine for creatinine clearance
• Exploratory laparoscopic surgery
• Kidney biopsy

Imaging tests that may be used to evaluate renal cell carcinoma include:

• Bone scan
• Ultrasound of the abdomen
• CT scanning of the abdomen and pelvis
• Intravenous pyelogram
• Cystoscopy
• A fiberoptic scope is used to evaluate the bladder and ureters
• Kidney biopsy
• MRI scan of the abdomen and pelvis

Less commonly performed tests that may be used to evaluate renal cell carcinoma include:

• Renal arteriogram