What Are the Early Signs of Kidney Cancer?
Kidney cancer may not cause noticeable symptoms in its early stages. When symptoms occur, they may include:
✓ 1. Blood in the Urine
Blood in the urine, also called hematuria, can make urine appear pink, red or brown. Sometimes, blood is visible only during a medical test. Blood in the urine can have several causes and should be medically evaluated.
✓ 2. Persistent Side or Back Pain
Ongoing pain in the side or back, below the ribs, may have different causes. If the pain persists or is unexplained, consult a healthcare professional.
✓ 3. Unexplained Weight Loss
Losing weight without changing your diet or physical activity may be a reason to seek medical advice, especially if it occurs alongside other unusual symptoms.
✓ 4. Persistent Fatigue
Feeling unusually tired or weak over a prolonged period can have many causes. A medical evaluation may help identify the reason.
✓ 5. A Lump or Swelling
In some cases, a lump or swelling may be felt around the side or abdomen. Any new or unusual lump should be assessed by a healthcare professional.
✓ 6. Fever That Keeps Returning
A recurring fever without an obvious explanation can have various causes. If it continues or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, seek medical advice.
Important: These symptoms do not necessarily mean kidney cancer. Kidney cancer can also occur without obvious symptoms, so medical evaluation is important when concerns arise.
What Are the Risk Factors for Kidney Cancer?
Factors associated with an increased risk may include:
✓ Smoking
✓ Excess body weight
✓ High blood pressure
✓ A family history of kidney cancer
✓ Certain inherited conditions
✓ Some long-term occupational exposures
✓ Having a risk factor does not mean a person will develop kidney cancer. Some people diagnosed with kidney cancer have no known risk factors.
Can Kidney Cancer Be Prevented?
There is no guaranteed way to prevent kidney cancer, but healthy habits may help reduce certain risk factors.
✓ Avoid smoking and seek support to quit if needed.
✓ Maintain a healthy weight through balanced nutrition and regular physical activity.
✓ Work with your healthcare professional to manage high blood pressure.
✓ Discuss your family history and personal risk factors with a qualified healthcare professional.
✓ Do not ignore persistent or unusual symptoms.
Routine screening is not recommended for everyone at average risk. Your healthcare professional can advise whether further evaluation is appropriate for you.
How Is Kidney Cancer Diagnosed?
If kidney cancer is suspected, a healthcare professional may recommend:
✓ Medical examination: Review of symptoms and medical history.
✓ Urine and blood tests: To assess relevant health indicators.
✓ Imaging tests: Ultrasound, CT or MRI scans may help examine the kidneys.
✓ Further tests: Additional investigations, including a biopsy in selected cases, may be recommended depending on the findings.
The appropriate tests depend on each person's symptoms and clinical situation.
When Should You Seek Medical Advice?
Consult a healthcare professional if you notice blood in your urine, persistent side or back pain, unexplained weight loss, ongoing fatigue or another unusual symptom.
Blood in the urine should be evaluated promptly, even if it happens only once. Seek urgent medical care if you have severe pain, heavy bleeding or difficulty passing urine.
Oncova Cancer Center
Hope Care Heal
📞 9900010370
📧 [email protected]
📍 Rajajinagar Indiranagar Electronic City, Bangalore
