Renal cell carcinoma physical examination

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

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Overview

Common physical examination findings of renal cell carcinoma include low body mass index, high blood pressure, palpation of abdominal mass, auscultation of abdominal bruit, varicocele, muscle atrophy, skin pallor, facial flushing, and supraclavicular lymphadenopathy.

Physical Examination

Physical examination findings are generally not revealing. Physical exam findings are not specific. A full physical exam should be conducted in all renal cell carcinoma patients in search of metastasis. In some patients, the presence of the following may be helpful for the diagnosis of renal cell carcinoma:

• Low body mass index (BMI)
• High blood pressure
• Palpation of abdominal mass
• Auscultation of abdominal bruit
• Varicocele
• Muscle atrophy
• Skin pallor
• Facial flushing
• Supraclavicular lymphadenopathy
• Abnormal neurological exam

Physical Examination

Physical examination of patients with [disease name] is usually normal.

OR

Physical examination of patients with [disease name] is usually remarkable for [finding 1], [finding 2], and [finding 3].

OR

The presence of [finding(s)] on physical examination is diagnostic of [disease name].

OR

The presence of [finding(s)] on physical examination is highly suggestive of [disease name].

Appearance of the Patient

• Patients with renal cell carcinoma usually appear cachexectic.

Vital Signs

• Hyperthermia may be present.
• High low blood pressure with normal pulse pressure

Skin

• Pallor

HEENT

• • Facial flushing may be present.

Neck

• Supraclavicular lymphadenopathy

Lungs

• Pulmonary examination of patients with renal cell carcinoma is usually normal.

Heart

• Cardiovascular examination of patients with renal cell carcinoma is usually normal.

Abdomen

• Palpation of abdominal mass
• Auscultation of abdominal bruit

Back

• Back examination of patients with renal cell carcinoma is usually normal.

Genitourinary

• Varicocele may be present.

Neuromuscular

• Neuromuscular examination of patients with renal cell carcinoma is usually normal.

Extremities

• Muscle atrophy may be present