Kidney Cancer: 5 early signs to watch out for

Kidney cancer, also known as renal cancer, occurs when kidney cells become malignant and grow uncontrollably, forming a tumor. It's a relatively common cancer, ranking among the top ten most common for both men and women. Early detection is crucial, as symptoms may not be apparent in the initial stages. The presence of early warning signs enables doctors to detect cancer and start appropriate treatment. Here are 5 early signs to look out for...

When kidney cancer exists, it often results in blood appearing in urine. Your urine color might appear as pink, or red (like a soda). The blood might come and go, and sometimes it is too faint to notice without a test. However, the presence of blood in urine, might result from infections, kidney stones or other medical conditions as well. Consult a doctor immediately after noticing blood in your urine. The presence of blood in urine which continues without medical attention, can lead to serious kidney complications.

Another sign of renal cancer presents as pain, which develops in the side and lower back where the kidneys are located. The pain is usually persistent, without any connection to physical injuries. Usually, it develops in the lower back region before moving towards your stomach. The enlargement of cancer cells to a significant size, often causes them to compress surrounding structures, which results in pain. This pain starts as a dull sensation which deepens with time. The discomfort from the pain tends to disturb your daily activities, and poses trouble when sitting, or lying down.

A medical examination or self-examination, may reveal a mass or swelling in the kidney location of your side, or lower back. Most kidney cancers unfortunately lay low during their initial growth, but patients might detect them when the tumors expand sufficiently to cause swelling or lump formation. Medical imaging tests allow doctors to detect internal growths through visualisation techniques. The presence of a noticeable lump during examination, typically indicates that the tumor has grown significantly, so immediate assessment becomes essential. The swollen area might produce a feeling of fullness together with pressure. Any noticeable swelling requires medical attention, despite the absence of pain symptoms.

The body displays signs of kidney cancer, when fatigue occurs unexpectedly along with an unending fever, though this might not always be the case always. The body experiences these symptoms because it is fighting hard to fight off the illness, or because cancer interferes with hormone production. Apart from fatigue and fever, excessive sweating, especially during nighttime could also be a warning sign. These symptoms progress slowly through several weeks and months, which disrupts both professional responsibilities and personal relationships.Also See: Kidney vs Gallbladder stones: What's the difference and 5 very early symptoms you shouldn’t ignore​

Kidney cancer produces metabolic alterations, which decrease your appetite and desire to eat. You will also lose weight, without dieting efforts, and your appetite will go for a toss. Several other serious health conditions can produce this symptom, but medical evaluation becomes necessary when weight loss appears with other warning signs. Any sudden weight loss serves as a warning indicator that your body is fighting an illness (such as cancer). Such weight changes occur quickly, and weight loss becomes apparent. This combination of weakness and fatigue results in disruption of daily activities, that include home chores, traveling to work, or exercise.

Sources:

American Cancer Society: Signs and Symptoms of Kidney Cancer

NHS: Symptoms of Kidney Cancer

Cancer Research UK: Symptoms of Kidney Cancer

Mayo Clinic: Kidney Cancer - Symptoms and Causes

Disclaimer: This article is informational only and not a substitute for medical advice

Watch out for these signs(Image: canva)

To protect your kidneys, hydration is key