9 Warning Signs of Kidney Cancer That you should not ignore
Kidney cancer, also known as renal cell carcinoma (RCC), develops when kidney cells become malignant and grow out of control. The accumulating abnormal cells form a tumor that can extend beyond the kidney. Some cells can break off and spread to distant parts of the body.
As of today, there is no known cause for developing a kidney mass. But there are a number of things that can increase your risk for kidney tumors such as Smoking, Obesity, High blood pressure, Having a family history of kidney cancer, Being exposed to certain chemicals and Using certain pain medications for a long time.
Many people with kidney cancer don’t notice any early signs or symptoms until the cancer’s advanced stages. Therefore, symptoms of the disease usually appear when the tumor grows large and begins to affect nearby organs. You may have one or more of these nine Warning Signs of Kidney Cancer.
1. Blood in the urine (Hematuria)
Hematuria, or blood in the urine, is the most common warning sign of kidney cancer or some other kidney problems such as bladder or kidney infection, kidney stones, cysts, kidney injury.
When you have Hematuria, your urine color may look pink, brownish or red. Sometimes the amount of blood in the urine is so small that only a urinalysis can detect it.
So, whenever you notice or have doubt about blood in the urine we suggest you to directly consult with your doctor for knowing the correct reason for hematuria.
2. Lower back pain
Lower Back pain can sometime also be a symptom of kidney cancer. This pain can vary from person to person.
You might notice a dull ache below the back of your ribs or on one side of your flank or a sharper stabbing pain in the same location or a pain on one side only or pressure rather than an ache or sharp pain.
If you feel any of these pains you should directly visit to your doctor as he can only determine the reason for pain is cancerous or a normal pain.
3. A mass or lump on the side or lower back
A mass or lump on the side or lower back can also be a sign of kidney cancer. You might feel a hard thickening or bulging bump under your skin. In the early stages of kidney cancer lumps are hard to feel, because the kidneys are located deep inside the abdomen.
If you accidentally discover any lump near your abdomen, side, or back then you should meet with your doctor he will likely order diagnostic tests, such as an ultrasound or a biopsy to confirm that the lump is cancerous or not.
4. Fatigue
Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms associated with any type of cancer. It has been estimated to affect nearly 70 to 100 percent of patients treated for cancer.
Fatigue can arise as a result of the cancer itself or as a side effect of cancer treatment. Cancer-related fatigue is persistent and interferes with your ability to carry out your normal daily activities.
5. Loss of appetite
Appetite loss is a common symptom of kidney cancer. It might happen when growing tumors affect typical digestive processes or the production of hormones in your body. If you suddenly lose interest in eating and nothing seems appetizing, talk with your doctor. Don’t wait until you feel weak, have lost too much weight, or are dehydrated. It’s important to eat well, especially during cancer and its treatment.
6. Unexpected weight loss
Unexpected weight loss when you are not on dieting and trying to lose weight is a common symptom of Kidney cancer.
If you lost more than 5 percent of your total body weight without dieting and exercise within a period of six months would be considered unexpected or unintentional weight loss.
Apart from kidney cancer, this symptom is also associated with a number of other serious medical conditions so whenever you notice this symptom you should consult with your healthcare provider without any delay.
7. Fever
Unexplained continuous fever that occurs without any obvious signs of infection is a common symptom of kidney cancer.
These types of fevers aren’t usually caused by an infection. You might notice your fever comes and goes, or simply won’t go away.
Whenever you notice this unexplained fever symptom you should directly visit to your healthcare provider as he can only determine the right cause for the fever.
8. Anemia (low red blood cell counts)
Anemia or lower production of red blood cell in your body can also be a sign of kidney cancer. Kidneys in your body help to produce red blood cells but kidneys tumor sometimes disturb this function as a result low red blood cells produced which leads to anemia.
It makes you feel very weak, does not allow you to do simple work of your daily routine.
9. Swelling in your ankles or legs
Edema or Swelling in your ankles, feet, arms, hands can also be a warning sign of kidney cancer or some other underlying diseases.
Edema is swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in your body’s tissues. It can affect any part of your body, you may notice it more in your hands, arms, feet, ankles and legs.
Our kidneys help in removing this excess fluid, but the growing cancer disturb kidneys function as a result excess fluid trapped in your body’s tissues.
