Kidney cancer common signs and symptoms that you might not notice

Symptoms of kidney cancer

• Blood in the urine, which may look pink, red, or cola-coloured (hematuria): This is often one of the first signs of kidney cancer and should not be ignored
• Persistent pain in the side or lower back (flank pain): The pain may be dull or sharp and doesn't go over time. It may feel similar to chronic back pain but doesn't improve with rest or typical treatments.
• A lump or swelling in the area around the kidneys: You may feel or notice a mass in your sides or lower back
• Ongoing fatigue or low energy levels: You may feel tired even after resting or getting enough sleep
• A general feeling of being unwell: This includes weakness, discomfort, or just not feeling yourself.
• Reduced appetite: You may not feel hungry or may eat much less than usual. This lack of hunger can occur even without changes in your activity or eating habits.
• Unintentional weight loss: You may lose weight unintentionally without making any changes to your diet.
• Mild but persistent fever: A low-grade fever that keeps coming back for no clear reason. It may indicate an underlying chronic infection, inflammation, or other medical condition that requires further evaluation.
• Bone pain (if cancer has spread): Pain in the bones may occur when cancer moves to other parts of the body
• Elevated blood pressure: Kidney cancer can affect how your kidneys manage blood pressure.
• Low red blood cell count (anemia): This can cause you to feel weak, cold, or short of breath.
• High calcium levels in the blood (hypercalcemia): This may lead to nausea, confusion, or frequent urination. If left untreated, it can cause kidney problems, bone pain, and abnormal heart rhythms.