Kidney cancer, also known as renal cancer, is a type of cancer that starts in the cells that make up the kidneys.

The kidneys are a pair of small, bean-shaped organs located in the lower abdomen, and they are responsible for filtering waste from the blood and producing urine. Unfortunately, kidney cancer often goes undetected until it has spread to other parts of the body, making it more difficult to treat.

However, by recognizing the symptoms of kidney cancer early on, it is possible to catch the disease before it has a chance to spread.

What Causes Kidney Cancer?

Like most types of cancer, the exact cause of kidney cancer is not known. However, there are several factors that may increase a person’s risk of developing kidney cancer. These include:.

Smoking
Obesity
High blood pressure
A family history of kidney cancer
Exposure to certain chemicals, such as asbestos or cadmium

Symptoms of Kidney Cancer

The symptoms of kidney cancer can vary from person to person, and some people may not experience any symptoms at all. However, there are several common symptoms of kidney cancer that you should be aware of, including:.

Blood in Your Urine

One of the most common symptoms of kidney cancer is blood in your urine, which may appear pink, red, or brown. This is caused by the cancerous cells breaking down the blood vessels in the kidneys and leaking blood into the urine.

It is important to note that blood in your urine can also be a sign of other conditions, such as a urinary tract infection, so it is important to see a doctor if you notice this symptom.

Pain in Your Side or Back

The kidneys are located in the lower abdomen, and kidney cancer can cause pain in the side or back of the body. This pain may be a dull ache or a sharp stabbing pain that comes and goes.

The pain may also be accompanied by a feeling of fullness in the side or back.

Lump or Mass in Your Side or Abdomen

If you have kidney cancer, you may notice a lump or mass in your side or abdomen. This is caused by the cancerous cells forming a tumor in the kidney. The tumor may be small and hard to feel, or it may be large enough to be visible to the naked eye.

Weight Loss and Fatigue

As with many types of cancer, kidney cancer can cause unexplained weight loss and fatigue. If you have kidney cancer, your body is working hard to fight the cancerous cells, which can leave you feeling tired and run down.

You may also lose weight without trying, as the cancer takes up the body’s energy and resources.

Swelling in Your Legs or Ankles

In some cases, kidney cancer can cause a blockage in the veins that drain waste from the legs and feet. This can cause swelling in the legs or ankles, which may be accompanied by pain or a feeling of heaviness in the legs.

Fever or Night Sweats

If you have kidney cancer, you may experience a fever or night sweats. This is caused by the body’s immune system trying to fight off the cancerous cells.

High Blood Pressure

Although high blood pressure is not a symptom of kidney cancer itself, it is a risk factor for the disease. If you have high blood pressure, you should be diligent about getting screened for kidney cancer.

Anemia

Anemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough red blood cells. Kidney cancer can cause anemia by reducing the amount of oxygen in the blood. This can cause fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath.

Coughing up Blood

In rare cases, kidney cancer can spread to the lungs, causing coughing up blood. If you experience this symptom, you should see a doctor right away.

Chest Pain and Difficulty Breathing

When kidney cancer spreads to the lungs, it can cause chest pain and difficulty breathing. This is caused by the cancerous cells spreading to the tissue around the lungs and interfering with their function.

Conclusion

If you experience any of the symptoms of kidney cancer, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible. Early detection is key to treating kidney cancer, and your doctor can help you determine the best course of action for your specific situation.