What Are the Symptoms of Kidney Cancer?

Kidney cancer can be difficult to detect in its early stages because it often causes no noticeable symptoms. Many cases are discovered incidentally, meaning they are found during imaging studies performed for other unrelated health reasons. However, as the tumor grows, certain symptoms may begin to appear. Recognizing these symptoms and seeking timely medical evaluation can lead to earlier diagnosis and more effective treatment.

One of the most common symptoms of kidney cancer is blood in the urine, also known as hematuria. The urine may appear pink, red, or brown, or the blood may be visible only under a microscope. Blood in the urine does not always mean cancer, but it should never be ignored.

Another frequent symptom is persistent pain or discomfort in the side or lower back, usually on one side. This pain is often described as a dull ache rather than sharp pain. Some people may also notice a lump or swelling in the abdomen or side, although this is usually seen in more advanced cases.

General symptoms, which may be easy to overlook, include unexplained fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss, or fever without infection. These symptoms occur because the body is responding to the cancer’s presence and the metabolic changes it causes.

In some cases, kidney cancer can cause high blood pressure or changes in blood chemistry, such as elevated calcium levels. These changes may lead to symptoms such as increased thirst, digestive discomfort, or confusion in advanced cases.

It is important to remember that many of these symptoms can occur in common, noncancerous conditions such as kidney stones, urinary tract infections, or muscle strain. However, when symptoms are persistent, recurrent, or unexplained, medical evaluation is essential.

Diagnosis typically begins with imaging tests such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI to look at the kidneys. If a mass is found, additional tests may be performed to determine whether it is cancerous and whether it has spread.

Because early-stage kidney cancer often has no symptoms, awareness and routine health checkups are valuable, especially for individuals with risk factors such as smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease, or a family history of kidney cancer. Early detection greatly improves the chances of successful treatment.

Looking for more questions?

Visit our Kidney Cancer Questions page for all other topics explained in plain language.

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