12 Kidney (Renal) Cancer Symptoms & Causes
Some patients experience early signs of kidney cancer, while others start experiencing symptoms when the disease is in its advanced stages.
Another important aspect to keep in mind is that most kidney cancer symptomsare similar to those of other less serious kidney problems. Therefore, it is easy for these symptoms to be ignored; this can, in turn, can lead to a delayed diagnosis. No matter how mild the symptom is, if it lasts for more than two weeks, it should be checked by a doctor for a conclusive diagnosis.
The following are the common kidney cancer symptoms:
Blood in the Urine
The presence of blood in the urine (hematuria) is one of the early signs of kidney cancer. Patients suspected of having kidney cancer often pass urine that is pink, red, or brown in color. It is important to note hematuria could also be one of the benign kidney tumor symptoms.
Pain or Pressure in the Side or Back
Those with kidney cancer often experience pain or pressure in the side or back. This pain or discomfort does not go away easily or is often not related to physical activity. This is one of the symptoms of stage 1 kidney cancer. Pain in the abdomen or back could also be one of Wilms tumor symptoms.
A Mass or Lump in the Side or Back
A palpable mass or lump on the side or back is one of the most reported kidney cancer symptoms. These lumps are often hard and do not go away. In some cases, it is also one of the symptoms of stage 1 kidney cancer.
Benign kidney tumors or cysts often present themselves with a lump or mass, and this makes the presence of a lump one of the kidney cyst cancer symptoms too.
Swelling of the Ankles and Legs
Some patients may experience swelling in the ankles and legs (peripheral edema) due to fluid retention
High Blood Pressure
High-blood pressure, or hypertension, is one of the most common kidney cancer symptoms. Nonetheless, hypertension is a non-specific symptom that can be caused by a myriad of factors; in some cases, it may also be one of the benign kidney tumor symptoms
Anemia, which is a Low Red Blood Cell Count
Kidney cancer patients often have anemia, which is characterized by a low red blood cell count. This is often one of the commonly ignored renal cancer symptoms.
Fatigue
Persistent fatigue is one of the commonly reported kidney tumor symptoms. Patients often experience a general feeling of tiredness and decreased motivation to do anything. It is also one of Wilms tumor symptoms.
Loss of Appetite
Patients with kidney cancer often lose their appetite, which will gradually lead to unintentional weight loss.
Unexplained Weight Loss
Unexplained weight loss is another symptom of kidney cancer. Those losing weight without any diet or lifestyle changes should see a doctor for a proper evaluation.
Fever that Keeps Coming Back and Is Not from a Cold, Flu, or Other Infection
Kidney cancer may also cause recurrent fevers that are not related to any infections. This is one of the renal cancer symptoms that is often ignored.
Night Sweats
Excessive sweating during sleep is also found to be one of the common kidney tumor symptoms
Swollen Glands in Your Neck
Rarely, patients with kidney cancer may have swollen lymph nodes in their necks. This symptom could be caused by other types of cancer too, and therefore, it is important to see a doctor for a thorough evaluation.
Kidney Failure
Kidney failure could be one of the kidney cancer symptoms seen in the advanced stages. It is also one of the symptoms of angiomyolipoma.
Kidney Cancer Causes to Keep an Eye On
Smoking
Smoking is an important risk factor, and the carcinogens present in tobacco increase kidney cancer risk.
Obesity
Obesity is one of the possible kidney cancer causes, as it causes inflammation and hormonal imbalances in the body.
High Blood Pressure
Chronic high blood pressure (hypertension) is one of the potential kidney cancer causes.
Radiation Therapy
Previous cancer treatments, especially radiation therapy directed towards the abdomen or pelvis, could also be one of the possible kidney cancer causes.
Gene Changes (Mutations)
Certain genetic mutations can cause von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease and hereditary papillary renal cell carcinoma (HPRCC) and can predispose individuals to kidney cancer.
Long-term Dialysis Treatment
Long-term dialysis could also be one of the possible renal cell carcinoma causes, as it leads to inflammation and toxic build-up in the kidneys.
Tuberous Sclerosis Complex
Having a rare genetic condition, Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC), can increase the risk of kidney cancer.
Von Hippel-Lindau disease (VHL)
Individuals with VHL have an increased risk of kidney cancer.
Workplace Exposure to Chlorinated Chemicals
Being exposed to chlorinated chemicals like trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (PCE) can serve as one of the potential kidney cancer causes.
Heredity, which Accounts for About 4-6% of Kidney Cancer Cases
Having a positive family history of kidney cancer can increase the risk of this disease. As one of the possible kidney cancer causes, it causes about 4-6% of kidney cancer cases.
When to See a Doctor?
Those experiencing persistent symptoms that may indicate kidney cancer should consider seeing a doctor for a proper medical evaluation and prompt medical attention.
Frequently Asked Questions
Patients experience kidney cancer pain in the side or back, right below the ribs. Nonetheless, not all patients with kidney cancer experience pain, and the intensity of the pain will also vary from one patient to another.
The symptoms of stage 2 kidney cancer may vary from patient to patient. The commonly observed kidney cancer symptoms include blood in the urine, pain in the abdomen and back, high blood pressure, the presence of a lump or mass, tiredness, and unintended weight loss.
In most cases, kidney cancers arise from renal epithelial cells, which line the tiny tubules that are responsible for blood filtration and urine production. Renal cell carcinoma is the most common type of kidney cancer, and it is further classified into clear cell RCC, papillary RCC, chromophobe RCC, and collecting duct RCC.
Presently, there is little data available on kidney cancer or renal cell carcinoma causes. However, many studies have found that certain environmental factors can increase the risk of kidney cancer. It has been observed that prolonged exposure to hazardous chemicals like cadmium, asbestos, organic solvents, etc., can contribute to increased kidney cancer risk.
Various chemicals have been found to increase the risk of kidney cancer, including:
Organic Solvents: Prolonged exposure to organic solvents can cause damage to the DNA of kidney cells and contribute to the elevated risk of kidney cancer.
Cadmium: Cadmium exposure can cause kidney damage. Over time, cadmium exposure can also lead to increased kidney cancer risk. It has been observed that cadmium-associated kidney cancer risk is high among individuals who smoke.
Asbestos: A few studies suggest prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers can increase kidney cancer risk.
Water pollution may not be a direct cause of kidney cancer. However, drinking water that is polluted with toxic contaminants like heavy metals and industrial pollutants can increase one’s risk of developing kidney cancer. Ensuring that you are drinking clean water can help you in reducing the risk of various health problems, including cancer.
Yes. Smoking is a serious risk factor for kidney cancer. The carcinogens present in tobacco damage the DNA in the kidney cells and eventually cause kidney cancer.
Many studies have found that quitting tobacco can improve one’s overall health and reduce the risk of various types of cancer, including kidney cancer.
