Kidney Cancer Symptoms
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Understanding Kidney Cancer
The kidneys are small bean-shaped organs deep in the upper abdominal cavity, protected by the rib cage. These small organs are only about the size of a clenched fist and are located on each side of the backbone.
The main function of the kidneys is to purify the blood and regulate fluids in the body. The kidneys are the primary site where waste products are filtered out of the blood stream. These waste products are then converted into urine.
The size and location of the kidneys may make it difficult to detect a tumor in the early stages. Often, there are no visible lumps or masses until the cancer has reached the advanced stages. Likewise, early stages of kidney cancer may have no apparent symptoms.
Symptoms of Kidney Cancer
In the early stages, kidney cancer symptoms are rarely apparent. As kidney cancer progresses, your general health and sense of well being may be impacted as the disease affects the body's ability to purify blood and regulate fluids. However, the symptoms are often vague and may seem harmless.
For example, some people may feel fatigued or rundown, similar to feeling tired all the time or having a mild cold that doesn't go away. More visible symptoms of kidney cancer, like blood in the urine, may also be confused with more common causes, like kidney stones or a bladder infection. Your doctor will likely conduct a physical exam and request some type of diagnostic imaging tests to diagnose the cause of your symptoms.
General kidney cancer symptoms may include the following:
- Fatigue or a general feeling of poor health
- Lower back pain, typically on one side, in the absence of an injury or other cause
- Fever that does not go away for a few weeks
- Hematuria (presence of blood in urine, sometime rust colored)
- Edema (swelling of feet or angles due to fluid retention)
- Unexplained weight loss
- A noticeable mass or tumors, typically on the side or lower back
NOTE: These symptoms may be attributed to a number of conditions other than cancer, such as an infection or other illness. It is important to consult with a medical professional for an accurate diagnosis.
Understanding Your Kidney Cancer Symptoms
Although a tumor may compromise the functionality of one kidney, the other kidney may be functioning normally. The normal filtering and urinary processes can still continue with only one functioning kidney. So, it is possible that, with one normally functioning kidney, any renal dysfunction or related problems may not appear.
Having one or more these symptoms does not mean you have cancer. Kidney cancer symptoms may be signs of other more common conditions, such as kidney stones or urinary tract infections. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms or if you believe you may be at risk because of a related genetic syndrome, you should seek advice from a qualified medical professional. Kidney stones or bladder infections may require medical treatment.
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