Kidney Cancer Warning Signs: How to Spot the Early Symptoms

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Kidney Cancer Warning Signs: How to Spot the Early Symptoms

Kidney cancer is not as common as lung or breast cancer. However, it still impacts thousands of lives each year. 

Globally, over 400,000 new cases of kidney cancer are diagnosed each year. With the numbers rising in the urban areas. In India, 3% of all cancers are kidney cancer. 

The early symptoms of kidney cancer usually go unnoticed. Most patients find outit accidentally during scans for other problems. But the good news is, spotting the kidney cancer warning signs early can make a huge difference.

Dive deep into the blog to learn more about the symptoms of kidney cancer and the risk of kidney cancer

 

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Who is at Risk of Kidney Cancer (Renal Cell Carcinoma)

The risks of kidney cancer hide in plain sight. Hence, you need to be extra careful. 

  • Smoking

Smoking can significantly increase your risk of developing kidney cancer. The more you smoke, the higher the risk of you developing kidney cancer.

  • Obesity

Being overweight or obese can put you at a higher risk. Extra body weight will mean more strain on your kidneys.

  • High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is another major risk factor of kidney cancer.

  • Genetics and Family History

If your close family member has had kidney cancer, you may have a slightly higher risk of kidney cancer. Certain rare inherited syndromes can also increase the risk.

  • Advanced Age

Most kidney cancer cases are diagnosed in people above the age of 60.

  • Long-term Dialysis

Patients on long-term dialysis treatment for chronic kidney failure have a greater risk.

  • Certain Medications

Long-term use of some pain relievers, like over-the-counter drugs, has been linked to an increased risk.

 

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Top 7 Early Signs and Symptoms of Kidney Cancer

Most people with early-stage kidney cancer don’t have any symptoms. The cancer is often found by chance during an ultrasound or CT scan due to other health conditions. However, as your tumor grows, symptoms may appear.

7 kidney cancer warning signs are: 

1. Blood in Urine (Hematuria)

  • You may have brown, red, or pink urine.

  • Tests may show minute, undetectable blood traces.

2. Persistent Back or Side Pain

  • Persistent side or lower back pain.

  • Dull but persistent discomfort.

3. Unexplained Weight Loss

  • Sudden weight loss without dietary or exercise change.

  • Weight Loss along with loss of appetite.

4. Fatigue That Lingers

  • Constant tiredness that does not get better with rest.

  • It could be due to anemia which is linked with kidney cancer.

5. A Lump in the Side or Lower Back

  • Sometimes you can feel a hard mass in your abdomen or side.

6. Recurrent Fevers

  • Fever that is not linked to infections.

  • Irregular and unexplained fever. 

7. Swelling in Ankles or Legs

  • Fluid build-up due to poor kidney function can lead to swollen ankles or legs. 

Kidney cancers are often detected on routine ultrasounds and should be reviewed by a urologist.

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Early Symptoms Vs Possible Indications 

Symptom

Possible Indication

Blood in urine

Kidney cancer, infection, stones

Back/side pain

Tumor pressure, kidney disorder

Weight loss

Advanced disease, metabolic changes

Fatigue

Anemia, systemic weakness

Lump in the side/back

Tumor growth

Recurrent fevers

The body’s immune response

Leg/ankle swelling

Impaired kidney function

 

When should you Seek Medical Advice for the treatment of Renal Cell Carcinoma?

Oftentimes, we get busy with our lives and forget to focus on the important things, such as our health. Usually, your body with give symptoms when something is wrong. It is important that we do not ignore them and must listen to these kidney cancer warning signs. 

Don't depend on home remedies if you notice kidney cancer warning signs. Consult a specialist the following signs:

  • You notice blood in your urine.

  • You have had pain in the back or side for several weeks.

  • You are losing weight without reason.

  • You feel fatigued always.

  • You discover a lump in your side.

Early and prompt actions matter. Therefore, you must not wait to consult the best hospital in Bangalore for kidney cancer treatment. 

Best hospital in Bangalore for Kidney Cancer Treatment

Have you or your loved one been diagnosed with kidney cancer? When it comes to treating something as serious as kidney cancer, you want the best possible care.

NU Hospitals, Bangalore, is one of the leading uro-oncology centers of the country. From your diagnosis to your advanced treatment, we are ready to take care of you. Our specialist will create a personalized treatment only for you, keeping in mind your condition. 

Frequently Asked Questions on Signs of Kidney Cancer:

1. What are the first signs of kidney cancer?

The first signs of kidney cancer are blood in the urine. However, a lump in your side or back pain can also be early indicators.

2. Can kidney cancer be detected early?

Yes, it can. Often, kidney cancer is found by chance during imaging tests for other conditions. 

3. Is cancer in the kidney curable?

Yes, if kidney cancer is caught in the early stages, it is highly curable.

4. Is kidney cancer fast-growing?

It will depend on the type of cancer. However, typically, kidney cancer grows slowly. 

5. Is blood in the urine always a sign of kidney cancer?

Not all blood in urine is a sign of kidney cancer. It can be caused by many things, such as urinary tract infections, kidney stones, or benign cysts.

Reference Links:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/kidney-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20352664

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9409-kidney-cancer-overview

Dr. Maneesh Sinha

Medically Reviewed By:

Dr. Maneesh Sinha

Sr. Consultant Urologist & Kidney Transplant Surgeon & Associate Medical Director (NU Hospitals, Mission Road)

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