Kidney cancer happens when cells in one or both of your kidneys start to grow out of control. The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs located on each side of your spine, just below your rib cage. They help filter waste and extra fluids from the blood, turning it into urine. When cancer starts in either of your kidneys, it can be very serious. However, if detected early, kidney cancer treatments can be more effective, and the likelihood of a positive outcome increases.
What Is Renal Cell Carcinoma?
The most common type of kidney cancer is called renal cell carcinoma (RCC). It starts in tiny tubes inside the kidney called renal tubules. These tumors can grow and may spread to nearby lymph nodes, lungs or other parts of the body. Recognizing signs early and getting treatment before the spread happens is very important.
Early Signs of Kidney Cancer to Watch For
One of the hardest parts about kidney cancer is learning its early signs. Initially, symptoms may be mild or mistaken for other common issues. Because of this, many people don’t realize they have kidney cancer until it has grown or spread. However, some signs might show up as the tumor grows. Here are some to keep in mind:
Blood in the Urine (Hematuria)
One of the most common early warning signs is blood in the urine. Sometimes the urine looks red or pink, but other times the amount of blood is too small to be seen by the eye and can only be found with a medical test. Blood appears because the tumor can irritate or damage blood vessels inside the kidney.
If you notice blood in your urine, it’s important to have your doctor check it out, even if you feel fine otherwise. Blood in your urine can be caused by things other than cancer, like infections or kidney stones, but you should never ignore it.
Persistent Pain in Your Back or Side
Some people experience a dull pain or ache in the lower back or side, near the area where the kidneys are located. This pain might not go away for weeks and isn’t caused by injury.
A Lump or Mass on the Side or Abdomen
In some cases, a person or their doctor can feel a lump near the kidney area. This lump might be a tumor that has grown large enough to be felt through the skin.
Unexplained Fatigue
Feeling very tired all the time, even after plenty of rest, might be a sign of kidney cancer. Cancer can affect your body’s ability to make healthy blood cells or cause other changes that make you feel weak or drained.
Unexplained Weight Loss
Losing weight without changing your diet or trying other weight loss methods can sometimes indicate an illness such as cancer.
Fever and Night Sweats
If you have fevers that come and go for no clear reason or sweat heavily at night, these can be linked to kidney cancer.
Are Kidney Stones a Sign of Kidney Cancer?
Kidney stones and kidney cancer can sometimes cause similar symptoms, such as blood in the urine or pain in the side. But kidney stones are hard mineral deposits that form inside the kidneys and often cause sudden, sharp pain that comes and goes as the stone moves.
If you experience blood in urine or persistent pain, it’s important for your doctor to find the exact cause. Proper testing will show whether it’s kidney stones, cancer or something else.
What Puts You at Risk for Kidney Cancer?
There is no simple screening test for kidney cancer like there is for breast, cervical, prostate, lung and colon cancers. Instead, doctors focus on your symptoms and risk factors to decide when to test for kidney cancer.
Some common risk factors include:
- Age and sex: Kidney cancer is more common after age 50 and happens more often in men than women.
- Certain genetic conditions: von Hippel-Lindau disease is a rare inherited condition causing tumors in the kidneys and other organs. Tuberous sclerosis is another genetic disorder that can lead to benign and malignant kidney tumors.
- Exposure to chemicals: Working with harmful substances like asbestos, cadmium or herbicides can increase risk.
- Family history: If close family members have been diagnosed with kidney cancer, your risk of developing kidney cancer might be higher.
- High blood pressure: People with high blood pressure (also called hypertension) have a higher chance of developing kidney cancer.
- Obesity: Being overweight can lead to hormonal changes that can increase your likelihood of cancer.
- Smoking: Cigarette smoking is one of the biggest risk factors for kidney cancer.
How Do Doctors Find Out if You Have Kidney Cancer?
If your symptoms or history make your doctor suspicious of kidney cancer, they will order some tests.
- Blood and urine tests: These tests can help doctors find signs of kidney problems, like blood in the urine or reduced kidney function. While these tests cannot confirm cancer, they give important clues.
- CT scans: A CT scan uses X-rays to create detailed images of your kidneys and the surrounding organs. It’s a powerful way to detect tumors or abnormal growths.
- Ultrasound: This technique uses sound waves to create images and can help determine whether a mass is solid (which may indicate cancer) or filled with fluid (which is usually not cancerous).
- MRI: An MRI uses magnets and radio waves to create sharp images. This test can provide clear images of tumors and help assess whether cancer has spread.
- Biopsy: Sometimes, doctors remove a small sample of kidney tissue to check for cancer cells. This is not always needed, especially if imaging shows a clear tumor.
Takeaway
Early detection of kidney cancer is challenging because symptoms are often mild and can mimic other conditions. However, recognizing key warning signs and understanding your risk factors is crucial for timely diagnosis and better treatment outcomes. Pay close attention to your body and get checked out by a healthcare professional if you notice anything unusual.
Here’s what to watch for:
- Urinary changes: Blood in urine (pink, red or cola-colored)
- Persistent pain: Chronic discomfort in your side or back
- Unexplained systemic symptoms: Unusual tiredness, unexplained weight loss, night sweats or fevers
- Physical changes: A palpable lump or mass near your kidney
- Risk factors: Be especially vigilant if you smoke, have high blood pressure or a family history of kidney cancer.
Since there’s no routine screening, your awareness is key. If cancer is suspected, imaging tests like CT scans are used for diagnosis. ​Early action can significantly improve treatment success, so contact your doctor if you experience any concerning symptoms.
Notice warning signs or have risk factors for kidney cancer? Schedule a consultation with your healthcare provider today. Early evaluation can make all the difference.