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9 kidney cancer warning signs to be aware of

9 kidney cancer warning signs to be aware of

When cells grow out of control in one’s kidney tissues, it causes kidney cancer. Kidneys are the bean-shaped organs responsible for flushing out toxins, regulating fluids, maintaining electrolyte balance, and many other essential bodily functions. Tumor growth can disrupt these vital functions and cause different health complications. The condition does not usually show symptoms in its early stages, but here are some warning signs that may surface over time and indicate cancer growth in the kidneys.

Warning signs of kidney cancer
These are a few warning signs of kidney cancer to look out for:

1. Pain or discomfort in the side or back
Kidneys are located behind one’s abdominal organs, one on either side of the spine. So, any tumor formation in the kidneys can cause persistent pain or discomfort in the side or lower back. This pain may come and go, but if it is recurrent and unrelated to any other apparent cause, it is better to discuss it with a healthcare professional.

2. Flank pain
Flank is the region between the lower ribs and hips. Kidney cancer patients may experience discomfort in this area, and it may vary in intensity, from sharp or persistent to dull sensations that may surface occasionally. The pain may be more pronounced on one side, but it can affect both sides simultaneously.

3. Blood in urine
As the tumor grows, it can damage the delicate blood vessels in the kidney, causing hematuria, or blood in the urine.

4. Unexplained increase or decrease in body mass
Sudden and unexplained changes in one’s body mass are often a symptom associated with various types of cancer, including kidney cancer. This is often seen without any active or significant changes in one’s routine, either eating habits or lifestyle, so one is advised to investigate the underlying cause of this symptom.

5. Fatigue and weakness
Feeling excessively tired and weak, even after adequate rest, can be a sign of kidney cancer. Invasive cancer cells consume excessive energy and nutrients to multiply, which can lead to persistent fatigue.

6. Fever
With kidney cancer, one may experience a low-grade fever that has no specific cause, like infection, and doesn’t seem to go away easily.

7. Lump or mass in the abdomen
Occasionally, a palpable lump or mass may be felt in the abdominal area. This is often an advanced indicator of kidney cancer. If someone notices an unusual lump or swelling, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional immediately.

8. High blood pressure
Kidney cancer can sometimes raise blood pressure, although hypertension has many other potential causes. Regular blood pressure checks are essential for monitoring overall health, and if there are significant discrepancies in the readings, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional for further diagnosis.

9. Loss of appetite and anemia
Kidney cancer can affect the production of red blood cells, leading to anemia, fatigue, paleness, and a loss of appetite. One may feel full even after eating an abnormally small amount of food. One may also notice a spike or drop in one’s platelet count in a blood test.

Causes of kidney cancer
The condition’s cause is unclear to medical professionals, but there are some recognized risk factors. Some of them include abnormal gene mutations, old age, family history of the condition, other existing health conditions like high blood pressure or tuberous sclerosis, and long-term use of dialysis treatment or radiation therapy, especially by women with reproductive cancer. Detrimental lifestyle factors can also increase one’s chances of kidney cancer.
Kidney cancer cases are often discovered accidentally during the performance of an imaging test or a computed tomography (CT) scan conducted for an unrelated purpose. So, it’s essential to get regular health check-ups done and seek medical help if any signs are detected.

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