6 Early Signs of Kidney Cancer
The early warning signs of kidney cancer are often mistaken for other, more common conditions. That is why it often goes undetected until it is advanced. If you or a loved one have been experiencing any of these symptoms, it's important to see a doctor as soon as possible. Discussed below are 6 early signs of kidney cancer.
1. Painful or Difficult Urination
Painful or difficult urination is another warning sign of renal cell carcinoma. In most cases, this symptom stems from the growth of the tumor as it presses on the ureters (the structures that transport urine into your bladder). If you find that you are experiencing any pain, swelling, or difficulty while emptying your bladder, or the doctor suspects that you have a tumor, it's important to get it checked as soon as possible.
2. Frequent Urination
Frequent urination may be another symptom of kidney cancer; however, this symptom also has many different causes, including urinary tract infection, diabetes mellitus, or benign prostatic hypertrophy. If you notice that you are urinating more often than usual, make sure to get checked by a doctor right away. Kidney cancer may be the underlying cause of your frequent urination, but it could also be something less serious.
3. Blood in the Urine
Blood in the urine (hematuria) is a classic symptom of kidney cancer and one of the most common warning signs. Upon urinating, you may notice that your urine appears pink or cola-colored; this is due to blood mixing with the urine as it travels through the urinary tract. Other potential signs of blood in the urine include urinating more frequently than normal, urinating in small amounts, or experiencing pain or discomfort while urinating.
4. Abdominal Pain
Abdominal pain is another common symptom of kidney cancer. As cancer spreads, it can cause pain in your abdomen, lower back, or groin. However, you may also feel pain in other areas of the body because kidney cancer (like most types of cancer) can metastasize (spread to other locations throughout your body). This means that cancer can show up in areas of your body other than your kidneys, such as your liver, bones, or brain.
5. Fatigue
Fatigue is another warning sign of kidney cancer that often goes unnoticed until it becomes severe. And even then, people may mistake their extreme fatigue for something else. Generally speaking, if you feel tired all the time and lack energy despite getting an adequate amount of sleep at night, you should get checked by a doctor. Other warning signs of renal-cell carcinoma (the most common form of kidney cancer) include unintentional weight loss, persistent nausea, and vomiting. If you notice that you are experiencing these symptoms, talk to your doctor right away. They will be able to run tests and potentially detect any kidney cancer that might exist.
6. Swelling in the Legs or Feet
Swelling in the legs or feet is another sign of kidney cancer. This symptom may be related to other conditions such as heart, liver, or kidney disease, so it's important to get it checked out. Generally speaking, swelling occurs when excess fluid builds up around cells; this causes them to swell, which in turn causes the larger side effect of swelling. If you find that your lower extremities are swollen for no apparent reason (e.g., after doing some strenuous exercise), it's important to speak with your doctor as soon as possible. Early detection may improve your chances of successfully treating cancer.
Conclusion
The symptoms listed above are, by no means, exhaustive. Many different symptoms may be associated with kidney cancer. The key is to know what your body is trying to tell you (and what potential problems it may signal). If you experience any symptoms that seem out of the ordinary for you, don't ignore them. Try to find the underlying cause and make sure to get your condition treated thoroughly.
