8 early signs of kidney cancer and symptoms you cannot ignore

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Kidney cancer, also known as renal cell carcinoma, is a type of cancer that originates in the kidneys. It typically develops in the lining of tiny tubes within the kidney called renal tubules. This form of cancer often goes unnoticed in its early stages, as symptoms may not manifest until later on when it has already spread to other parts of the body.

Certain risk factors such as smoking, obesity, and high blood pressure can lead to kidney cancer. Genetics may also play a role in predisposing individuals to kidney cancer. It is the need of the hour to pay attention to the symptoms of kidney cancer and seek timely treatment.

These are 8 signs and symptoms of kidney cancer

1. Hematuria: Kidney cancer is a serious condition that can often be difficult to detect in its early stages. One of the most common signs is blood in the urine, which can appear pink, red, or dark brown.

2. Persistent back pain or discomfort on one side of the body may indicate kidney cancer, especially if it does not go away with time.

3. Weight loss without any particular reason could also be a symptom of this disease and should be monitored closely.

4. Fatigue and a general feeling of weakness may accompany kidney cancer due to the body's increased energy demands as it tries to fight off the abnormal cells.

5. Having a constant fever can be a warning sign too. Another important sign to look out for is unexplained fever that persists despite treatment.

6. Swelling in the legs and ankles could also indicate kidney cancer as fluid retention is a common occurrence in the advanced stages of this disease.

7. Anemia (low red blood cell counts) can also indicate kidney cancer.

8. Lingering dull ache or pain in the side of the abdomen will suggest that one may have kidney cancer.

It is essential to consult the doctor without any delay and get the diagnosis of the underlying symptoms as these symptoms can overlap with other health problems too. Seek timely treatment once the diagnosis is confirmed. Your treating doctor will come up with an appropriate treatment plan for you.

The treatment: Surgery is often the primary treatment option for localized cases of kidney cancer, but for those with metastatic disease, treatments such as targeted therapy or immunotherapy may be necessary. The key lies in early detection and prompt intervention to improve patient outcomes and enhance their quality of life amidst this battle against kidney cancer.

The take-home message: By being proactive and seeking medical help at the first sign of troubling symptoms, kidney cancer patients give themselves the best chance for successful treatment outcomes. Staying informed about potential red flags and taking them seriously can help patients feel empowered in their health journey.

(Dr. Dattatraya Andure, Consultant Medical Oncologist, Onco Life Cancer Centre, Chiplun)