Kidney cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the cells that form the tissues of the kidneys. It is a relatively rare form of cancer, accounting for around 5% of all adult cancers.

Kidney cancer is usually detected through routine medical examinations, such as CT scans, X-rays, or ultrasounds. It can also be detected through blood and urine tests.

Symptoms of Kidney Cancer

There are a number of symptoms associated with kidney cancer, including the following:.

Blood in the urine
Pain or a mass in the side or abdomen
A persistent cough
Fever
Fatigue
Loss of appetite
Weight loss
Anemia
Swelling in the legs or ankles
High blood pressure

Blood in the urine

One of the most common symptoms of kidney cancer is blood in the urine, a condition known as hematuria. Blood in the urine can occur for a number of reasons, including infection, kidney stones, and other non-cancerous conditions.

However, it is important to note that blood in the urine is never normal and should always be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

Pain or a mass in the side or abdomen

Pain or a mass in the side or abdomen is another common symptom of kidney cancer. The mass may be felt during a physical examination, or it may be detected during an imaging test.

The pain may also be felt in the back or side of the abdomen, and may be severe enough to interfere with daily activities.

A persistent cough

A persistent cough can be a symptom of kidney cancer if the cancer has spread to the lungs. This can cause symptoms such as coughing up blood, chest pain, and difficulty breathing.

Fever

Fever is another common symptom of kidney cancer. It can be a sign that the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, such as the lungs or bones.

Fever can also be a sign of infection, so it is important to consult a healthcare professional if you have a persistent fever.

Fatigue

Fatigue is a common symptom of many diseases, including kidney cancer. It is often a sign that the body is fighting off an infection or dealing with a chronic illness.

Fatigue can also be a side effect of cancer treatment, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

Loss of appetite

Loss of appetite is another common symptom of kidney cancer. It can be caused by a number of factors, including the cancer itself, as well as its treatment.

Appetite loss can lead to malnutrition, which can make it more difficult for the body to fight off the cancer.

Weight loss

Weight loss is another common symptom of kidney cancer. It can be caused by a number of factors, including appetite loss, nausea, vomiting, and an increase in metabolism.

It is important to consult a healthcare professional if you experience significant weight loss without intending to do so.

Anemia

Anemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough red blood cells to carry oxygen to the body’s tissues. It can be caused by a number of factors, including kidney cancer.

Anemia can cause symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath.

Swelling in the legs or ankles

Swelling in the legs or ankles can be a sign that kidney cancer has spread to the lymph nodes in the pelvis or abdomen. It can also be caused by other conditions, such as heart failure or kidney disease.

High blood pressure

High blood pressure is a common symptom of kidney cancer. It can be caused by a number of factors, including the cancer itself, as well as its treatment. High blood pressure can cause symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and vision problems.