Symptoms of Kidney Cancer
Doctor explains the hidden signs of kidney cancer and when to see your doctor. Discover the key symptoms, including blood in the urine, lumps, and flank pain, and learn what to expect during your medical visit.
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Topic Breakdown
Most people who are diagnosed with kidney cancer don't exhibit any symptoms. Often, they might be undergoing a scan for an unrelated issue, and it reveals the presence of kidney cancer. This is known as an incidental diagnosis, where the cancer is discovered by chance while investigating something else. However, when symptoms do appear, they can include blood in the urine, a lump or mass in the kidney area, and pain in the side between the ribs and hip, known as the flank area.
In this blog post, we’ll delve into the potential signs and symptoms of kidney cancer in much more detail. We’ll also discuss when you should see your doctor and what might happen during your visit.
First, let’s discuss three of the most common symptoms and signs of kidney cancer. The first is blood in the urine, also known as hematuria, which is the most common symptom. Hematuria can also be caused by other conditions such as infection, enlargement of the prostate, or kidney stones. However, it’s crucial to see your doctor if you notice any blood in your urine. The blood doesn't have to be present all the time; it can come and go. Sometimes, blood in the urine is not visible to the naked eye, but your doctor can perform a simple urine dipstick test to check for it.
The second important sign to be aware of is a lump or mass in the kidney area. If you feel a lump or swelling in the area of your kidneys, you should always consult your doctor. Most kidney cancers are too small to be felt by you or your doctor, but your doctor can arrange for a scan, such as an ultrasound, to check for cancer.
The third symptom to note is pain in the side between the ribs and the hip, known as the flank area. Pain in this area can be a sign of kidney cancer. The pain may also radiate to your lower back. However, it's essential to remember that having pain in these areas does not necessarily mean you have kidney cancer. Pain in these areas can also be caused by other conditions like an infection or kidney stones. You should always see your doctor if you keep experiencing this pain or if it doesn't go away.
In addition to these three primary symptoms, some people may experience other, more vague symptoms. These include losing weight without trying, a high temperature, very heavy sweating, tiredness, loss of appetite, and a general feeling of poor health. High blood pressure and anemia (having fewer red blood cells than normal, which can be detected through a blood test) can also potentially be symptoms of kidney cancer. These symptoms are related to the hormones produced by the kidneys and can cause your blood pressure to be extremely elevated.
It’s important to note that all these symptoms can be caused by many other conditions, and most people with these symptoms will not have cancer. However, if you do experience any of them, it’s crucial to see your doctor because if it is cancer, it will be much easier to treat if diagnosed early.
So, when should you see your doctor, and what might happen during your appointment? It’s important to consult your doctor if you notice any of the symptoms we’ve discussed: blood in the urine, a lump or mass in your kidney area, or pain in the side between your ribs and hip. Any other symptoms of kidney cancer that don't go away should also be discussed, including vague symptoms like losing weight without trying.
Depending on your symptoms, your doctor might perform a general physical examination. They will feel for any areas that might be swollen or abnormal, listen to your chest to ensure it sounds normal, and may ask you to provide a urine sample to test for blood or infection. They might also arrange for blood tests, either during your visit or at a later date.
After your examination, your doctor might refer you to a hospital for further tests, such as an ultrasound scan, or directly to a specialist. It’s important to ask your doctor to explain their reasoning if they don't think you need a referral or any tests. They may ask you to return in a week or two if your symptoms persist, but it's crucial to go back sooner if the symptoms change, worsen, or don't go away.
When visiting your doctor, it’s normal to feel nervous, anxious, or worried, and you might forget to ask all the questions you intended to. It might help to bring a friend or family member with you and write down some important questions beforehand. These might include: Do I need any tests, and what will they involve? How will I find out about my results or appointments—by post or telephone? How long should I expect to wait for results? Where can I find more information about the different tests? Do I need to do anything to prepare for the tests? Do I need to see a specialist? Who should I contact if my symptoms change, continue, or worsen? When should I see you again if this happens?
I hope you found this information informative and helpful. If you did, please consider liking this post, subscribing to our channel, and sharing it with a friend or family member who might benefit from it. If you want to share your own experience or comments about kidney cancer, please do so in the comment section. Your insights can be incredibly helpful for others.
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