Kidney cancer can cause a variety of different symptoms. The most common symptom is blood in the urine, which may cause the urine to appear pink or red. Other symptoms may include pain in the side or back, weight loss, and fatigue.
If kidney cancer is suspected, a variety of tests will be performed to confirm the diagnosis, including imaging tests and a biopsy.
No one wants to hear that they have cancer. But, if you do receive a cancer diagnosis, it’s important to be as proactive as possible in order to give yourself the best chance at beating the disease. If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with kidney cancer, it’s important to be aware of the symptoms so that you can catch the disease early and get treatment.
The most common symptom of kidney cancer is blood in the urine. Other symptoms can include: pain in the side or back, weight loss, fatigue, and fever. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor right away so that they can run some tests and determine if you have kidney cancer.
The earlier the disease is caught, the better your chances are of beating it!
Table of Contents
Kidney Cancer Symptoms and Treatment
What are the First Signs of Kidney Cancer?
One of the most common questions we get asked is “what are the first signs of kidney cancer?” Unfortunately, there isn’t a straightforward answer to this question as different people can experience different symptoms. In some cases, there may be no noticeable symptoms at all in the early stages of kidney cancer.
That said, there are a few potential warning signs that could signal the presence of kidney cancer. These include: 1. Blood in the urine: This is often one of the first signs that something might be wrong and is usually what prompts people to see their doctor.
The medical term for blood in the urine is “hematuria” and it can occur for a number of reasons, including kidney cancer. If you notice any blood in your urine, it’s important to see a doctor so they can rule out other potential causes. 2. Persistent pain in the side or back: Kidney cancer can cause pain in the side or back that doesn’t go away with over-the-counter medication.
This pain is usually caused by a tumor pressing on nerves or muscles near the kidney. If you have persistent pain that gets worse over time, it’s important to see your doctor so they can investigate further. 3. Weight loss and fatigue: Unexplained weight loss and fatigue are also potential warning signs of kidney cancer (as well as many other diseases).
If you’re losing weight without trying and/or feeling excessively tired all the time, it’s worth seeing your doctor just to rule out any underlying health issues.
What are the 3 Early Warning Signs of Kidney Disease?
There are three early warning signs of kidney disease: 1. Increased levels of creatinine and blood urea nitrogen in the blood. These two waste products are normally filtered out by the kidneys and excreted in urine.
When the kidneys are not functioning properly, they can build up in the blood, causing fatigue and other symptoms. 2. Swelling in the ankles, feet, or legs. This is caused by fluid retention and is a common symptom of kidney disease.
3. Changes in urination patterns. Kidney disease can cause changes in how much urine is produced, as well as its color, odor, and frequency.
How is Kidney Cancer Usually Found?
Kidney cancer is most often found when a person goes to their doctor for a routine check-up and they are found to have an abnormal mass or lump in their abdomen. Kidney cancer can also be discovered when a person has symptoms that lead them to see their doctor, such as blood in their urine, pain in their side or back, or weight loss. In some cases, kidney cancer is found on imaging tests that are done for other reasons.
Is Kidney Cancer Very Curable?
Kidney cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the cells of the kidney. The most common type of kidney cancer is renal cell carcinoma, which can be cured if it is caught early. However, if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, it may not be curable.
Treatment for kidney cancer may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or targeted therapy.
Credit: www.mayoclinic.org
How I Found Out I Had Kidney Cancer
When I was diagnosed with kidney cancer, I was in complete shock. I had no idea that something like this could happen to me. After all, I’m only in my early 30s and generally healthy.
But after my initial shock wore off, I started to do some research on the disease and how it had affected other people. I quickly learned that kidney cancer is relatively rare, but it is still a serious illness. The most common symptom of the disease is blood in the urine, which is what led to my diagnosis.
Other symptoms can include pain in the side or back, weight loss, and fatigue. The good news is that kidney cancer is usually treatable if caught early enough. In my case, surgery was successful in removing the tumor and all of the surrounding tissue.
My prognosis is excellent and I am expected to make a full recovery. If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, please don’t hesitate to see your doctor for a check-up. It’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your health!
Kidney Cancer Survival Rate
According to the National Cancer Institute, the five-year survival rate for kidney cancer is 63%. However, this number varies depending on the stage of the disease. For example, patients with stage I kidney cancer have a five-year survival rate of 92%, while those with stage IV have a five-year survival rate of 12%.
There are a number of factors that can affect an individual’s chance of surviving kidney cancer. These include the type and grade of the tumor, as well as the age and overall health of the patient. Treatment options also play a role in survival rates.
Patients who undergo surgery to remove the tumor have a higher survival rate than those who do not receive treatment. If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with kidney cancer, it is important to talk to your doctor about all your treatment options. With early detection and proper treatment, many patients are able to beat this disease and enjoy long-term remission.
Early Symptoms Kidney Cancer Warning
There are many different types of cancer, and each one has its own set of symptoms. However, there are some general warning signs that can indicate the presence of any type of cancer. If you experience any of the following early symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor right away for further testing:
1. Unexplained weight loss: This is often one of the first noticeable symptoms in many types of cancer, including kidney cancer. If you suddenly start shedding pounds without making any changes to your diet or exercise habits, it could be a sign that something is wrong. 2. Fatigue: Feeling excessively tired all the time can be another early warning sign of kidney cancer (and other cancers as well).
If you find yourself needing more and more naps or struggling to get through the day without feeling exhausted, it’s worth getting checked out by a doctor. 3. Pain: Cancerous tumors can cause pain in various parts of the body depending on their location. For example, kidney cancer may cause back pain or pain in the side (flank).
If you experience any type of unexplained pain that persists for more than a few days, make an appointment with your doctor. 4. Changes in bathroom habits: Cancerous tumors can sometimes block urine from flowing properly through the kidneys and ureters (the tubes connecting the kidneys to the bladder). This can lead to changes in bathroom habits such as having to urinate more frequently or experiencing urinary incontinence (leaking urine).
If you notice any changes in your urinary patterns, don’t hesitate to seek medical attention.
Stage 4 Kidney Cancer Symptoms
Kidney cancer is one of the most common cancers. Each year, more than 55,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with kidney cancer. The majority of these cases are renal cell carcinomas (RCCs), which start in the cells lining the small tubes inside the kidney.
The symptoms of stage 4 kidney cancer can be vague and nonspecific. They may include fatigue, weight loss, and blood in the urine. More specific signs and symptoms may occur if the tumor grows large enough to press on nearby organs or structures in the abdomen.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to see your doctor for a thorough evaluation. While some of these symptoms may be caused by other conditions, they could also be early warning signs of kidney cancer.
Symptoms of Kidney Cancer in Females
Kidney cancer is a relatively rare form of cancer, but when it does occur, it’s more likely to affect men than women. In fact, the American Cancer Society estimates that about 1 in every 41 men will be diagnosed with kidney cancer at some point during their lifetime, compared to just 1 in every 63 women. However, even though kidney cancer is less common in women, it’s still important to be aware of the potential symptoms.
After all, early detection is key when it comes to successful treatment. So what are some of the most common symptoms of kidney cancer in females? Here are a few to keep an eye out for:
1. Blood in the urine: This is often one of the first signs that something may be wrong and unfortunately, it’s not always easy to spot. If you notice any type of blood in your urine (even if it’s just a small amount), make sure to see your doctor right away so they can run some tests. 2. Back pain: Kidney cancer can cause pain in the lower back or sides that doesn’t go away with over-the-counter medication or rest.
It’s often described as a dull ache that gets worse over time. If you’re experiencing this type of pain, please don’t hesitate to give your doctor a call. 3. Weight loss: Losing weight without trying is another potential symptom of kidney cancer (as well as many other types of cancers).
So if you’ve noticed that you’re shedding pounds without making any changes to your diet or exercise routine, definitely schedule an appointment with your physician ASAP.
Kidney Cancer Treatment
Kidney cancer is a type of cancer that affects the kidneys. The most common type of kidney cancer is renal cell carcinoma, which accounts for approximately 85 percent of all kidney cancers. Treatment for kidney cancer depends on the stage and location of the tumor, as well as the overall health of the patient.
Surgery is the most common treatment for kidney cancers that have not spread to other parts of the body. In some cases, radiation therapy or chemotherapy may be used in addition to surgery. Clinical trials are also an option for patients with kidney cancer.
Symptoms of Stage 1 Kidney Cancer
Most people with stage 1 kidney cancer do not have any symptoms. The cancer is usually found when a person has an x-ray or CT scan for another reason. If there are symptoms, they may include:
• Blood in the urine • A lump in the abdomen
Kidney Cancer Symptoms Male
Kidney cancer is a type of cancer that affects the kidneys, two bean-shaped organs located on either side of the spine in the lower back. The kidneys filter waste from the blood and produce urine. Kidney cancer can develop in adults and children, but it occurs more often in men than women.
There are several types of kidney cancer, including renal cell carcinoma (the most common type), transitional cell carcinoma, and Wilms tumor. Symptoms of kidney cancer may include blood in the urine, pain in the side or lower back, a mass or lump in the abdomen, fatigue, weight loss, and fever. If you experience any of these symptoms, please see your doctor immediately for further testing and evaluation.
Most kidney cancers are diagnosed at an early stage through imaging tests such as CT or MRI scans. Treatment options for kidney cancer depend on the stage of disease and may include surgery (to remove part or all of the affected kidney), radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy (such as sunitinib), or immunotherapy (such as nivolumab). Clinical trials testing new treatments are also available for some patients with advanced disease.
Conclusion
Kidney cancer can be hard to detect in its early stages because it often doesn’t cause any symptoms. This is why it’s important to get regular check-ups and screenings, especially if you’re at high risk for the disease. Some kidney cancers do cause symptoms, though, and these can include:
-Blood in the urine (hematuria) -Pain in the side or back (flank pain) that doesn’t go away -A lump or mass in the abdomen
-Weight loss without trying -Fatigue -Fever that isn’t caused by an infection
If you experience any of these symptoms, be sure to see a doctor right away so that they can run some tests and determine whether or not you have kidney cancer.