The evaluation typically includes a computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen and pelvis -- i.e., a CT urogram. This diagnostic procedure also serves as the first staging procedure.

For example, in patients in whom the CT urogram reveals ambiguous enlargement of a single lymph node, a positron emission tomography (PET) scan may be obtained to see whether the enlargement is ...

(A) Plain radiography and (B) intravenous urography show the left kidney with staghorn calculi. (C) CT urography shows a segment of ileum interposed between the left renal pelvis and the bladder.