5 key symptoms of kidney cancer to be aware of
Kidney cancer cases have been increasing over the past 30 years, so it is vital to keep track of what symptoms to look for
What is kidney cancer?
Kidney cancer is a type of cancer that starts in your kidneys, the organs responsible for filtering your blood, balancing fluids in your body, and getting rid of waste. It happens when the cells in your kidneys grow abnormally fast, causing a cluster of cells (a tumour) to form.
There are many types of kidney cancer, including:
- Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) – the most common form of kidney cancer
- Transitional cell carcinoma
- Renal sarcoma
- Wilms tumour
Common symptoms of kidney cancer
Getting an early diagnosis can help improve your outcomes if you are affected by the disease. This is why it’s so important to know how to spot the signs.
Some of the most common signs of kidney cancer include:
Blood in your urine
Blood in your urine is the most common indicator of kidney cancer. Approximately 1 in 5 people who find blood in their urine are diagnosed with kidney cancer.
It occurs because the tumour can grow into or press on tiny blood vessels found in the kidneys, causing them to break and leak blood into the urine. The blood vessels within the tumour can also become fragile and can rupture, leading them to bleed.
Blood in your urine, however, can be caused by various different concern such as a UTI, kidney infection, kidney stones, urethritis, or inflammation in your kidneys. It’s important you seek immediate medical attention if you are experiencing bleeding, so the exact cause can be investigated.
Unintentional weight loss
Kidney cancer can cause unexplained weight loss. This is due to many factors, such as a loss of appetite, consistent inflammation affecting your metabolism, and increased energy use.
Tiredness, pain, fevers or night sweats caused by the cancer can also make it harder to eat well and keep your weight stable.
If you notice you are losing weight without trying, keep a track of your symptoms and discuss this with your doctor so they can help you locate the cause.
Fatigue
Fatigue is another common symptom of kidney cancer. As with unexplained weight loss, this is due to the tumour causing your body to use more energy as it grows, which can cause you to feel more tired day to day.
It can also be due to the emotional strain of dealing with the disease, disturbed sleep, disruption to hormone levels in the body, and the build-up of toxins from the tumour in your blood.
Fatigue is common symptom of a lot of different conditions, from minor concerns such as poor sleep, to significant issues such as cancer. We recommend you seek advice from a medical professional to help rule out what may or may not be causing you to feel tired.
Lump on your lower back
If you feel a lump or growth on your lower back, around the area of your kidneys, you should seek advice from your doctor promptly.
Most kidney cancers are too small to be felt or to show up in the skin, but they can in the later stages of the disease. Your doctor can arrange for an ultrasound to check whether this growth is cancer.
Pain in your back or side
As the tumour grows, this can put pressure on the surrounding area and cause pain in your lower back or hips. This is usually felt on one side and is a persistent pain that doesn’t go away with time.
If cancer spreads to the bones in your spine, ribs, or pelvis, it can cause more severe, persistent back pain, often felt worse at night or when you’re at rest.
Pain in your back or side can be caused by a number of things, such as an infection, kidney stones, or back concerns. It’s important to discuss your condition with your doctor so they can help assess what is causing your pain.
Approximately 1 in 5 people who find blood in their urine are diagnosed with kidney cancer
How can I reduce my risk?
The exact causes of kidney cancer, like many other cancers, are yet to be determined.
The easiest way of reducing your risk of cancer is being aware of your general health and visiting the doctor immediately as soon as you notice any unusual symptoms. The sooner cancer is detected, the higher the chances of effective treatment and survival from the disease.
For kidney cancer, there is increasing evidence to support the link between a heightened risk of the disease with unhealthy lifestyle factors, such as obesity and smoking. It’s important to live a healthy lifestyle, not just for your general health, but also if you want to reduce your risk of developing kidney cancer. Kicking harmful habits can help you get on track to living a healthier life.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can involve eating a nutritious diet, exercising regularly, not smoking or drinking excessive alcohol, keeping a healthy body weight, and limiting exposure to certain chemicals.
Get the answers you need with Circle Health Group
At Circle Health Group, we offer a wide range of diagnostic tests for those who are worried they may have kidney cancer, as well as rapid access to oncology specialists and tailored treatment plans if kidney cancer (or any other cancer) is suspected.
If you want to know more about our treatment options, book your appointment online today or call a member of our team directly.
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If you're concerned about symptoms you're experiencing or require further information on this subject, talk to a GP or see an expert consultant at your local Circle Hospital.