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How to Recognize the Warning Signs of Kidney Cancer Early
By Raveena M Prakash
Kidney cancer, commonly known as the silent killer, is one of the most ignored and overlooked cancers. However, early detection of kidney cancer plays a vital role in receiving effective treatment and improving survival rates. So, how can you identify the warning signs of kidney cancer in its early stages and what are the symptoms of kidney cancer? Then read further; this blog is for you!
In this article, we’ll discover the common warning signs of kidney cancer and why early detection of kidney cancer matters!
What is kidney cancer
Kidney cancer is a growth of cells that starts in the kidneys. This type of cancer is the abnormal growth of cells in the kidney tissue. These types of abnormal cells form a mass called a tumor. Cancer is formed in kidneys when something triggers a change in the kidney cells, and they might start to divide out of control.
The kidneys are located behind the abdominal organs, with one kidney on each side of the spine in the human body.
Types of kidney cancer
There are different types of kidney cancers are found in people, including:
Renal cell carcinoma:
This is one of the most common types of cancer found in adults, which accounts for almost 85% of all kidney cancer. Renal cell carcinoma usually develops as a single tumor in one kidney, and it can affect both kidneys. The cancer usually begins in the kidney cells that come in the kidney’s tubules, which are tiny tubes that mostly return nutrients and fluid back to the blood.
Transitional cell cancer:
Transitional cell cancer mainly accounts for approximately 6% to 7% of all kidney or renal cancer. This type of cancer usually begins in the area where the ureter connects to the major part of the kidney. This area of the kidney is also known as the renal pelvis. Transitional cell cancer can also happen in ureters or the bladder.
Renal sarcoma:
This is the least common type of cancer and accounts for 1% of cancer cases in the kidney. It begins in the connective tissues found in the kidneys, and if it's not treated on time, it can spread to other nearby organs and bones.
Primary causes of kidney cancer
The exact and clear cause of this type of cancer is not clear yet, but there are some risk factors that might increase the likelihood of developing renal cancer.
Including:
- Smoking: People who have a habit of smoking cigarettes are at a high risk for developing this type of cancer. The longer a person smokes, the higher the risk.
- Obesity: Obesity is also considered as an increased risk factor for renal cancer. The more overweight a person is, the higher the risk of developing this cancer.
- High blood pressure: High blood pressure is also known as hypertension. High blood pressure has also been linked to an increased risk of this cancer.
- Family history: People belonging to a family of cancer members have an increased risk of developing cancer in people.
- Radiation therapy: Women who have been treated with any type of radiation therapy for any kind of cancer can have an increased risk of developing this cancer.
- Gene mutations: Genes usually contain instructions for a cell’s function. Changes in certain genes can often increase the risk of developing renal cancer.
- Long-term dialysis treatment: Dialysis is a process of cleaning the blood by passing it through a special machine. Dialysis is often used when a person’s kidneys are not functioning properly.
- Tuberous sclerosis complex: Tuberous sclerosis is a disease that usually causes issues such as seizures and intellectual disabilities, along with the formation of tumors in many organs.
- von-Hippel -Lindau disease (VHL): Patients with this inherited disorder are at a greater risk for developing this type of cancer. This disorder often causes noncancerous tumors in the blood vessels, mainly in the eyes and brain.
Common early warning signs of kidney cancer
Renal cancer is commonly known as a silent killer because it doesn't often cause any noticeable symptoms in the body. While the tumor starts to grow, the body starts to give some symptoms that indicate something is not right.
These signs may include:
- Blood in the Urine (Hematuria): This is one of the common signs of renal cancer. A small amount of blood, whether it's visible or invisible, can be detected through lab tests and further checkups.
- Persistent pain in the lower back: Experiencing a dull ache or pressure only on one side might also indicate a sign of a tumor growing inside the body. This symptom is often mistaken as a sign of muscle pain or kidney stones.
- Sudden weight loss: If you are losing weight without trying or dieting, then this might be a symptom of any major health issues, including cancer.
- Fatigue or weakness: Experiencing fatigue or weakness is considered a common symptom, while experiencing continuous and severe fatigue is an indication that something is wrong with the body, including the risk of cancer.
- A lump or mass in the abdomen: If you are experiencing a lump or mass on the side or lower back, it could be a sign of cancer. This indicates the sign of a tumor growing inside the abdomen.
- Intermittent fever (fever that comes and goes): A fever that recurs without any obvious infection could be a big sign of kidney or renal cancer.
Why early detection of kidney cancer matters
The early detection generally helps to increase the treatment outcomes and improve the quality of life in the cancer patients. The survival rate of localized cancer is about 90% with an approximate of 5 years.
Here’s the importance of early detection, these may include:
- Effective treatment options: Detecting this type of cancer at an early stage significantly improves the effectiveness of treatments in patients. In the early stages, the tumor is often smaller and localized, making it easier to remove surgically. Early diagnosis can often increase the chance of successful surgical removal without the need for any complex treatments and procedures.
- Increased survival rates: The survival rates of renal cancer are comparatively much higher when diagnosed in its early stages. Studies suggest that 5-year survival rates for localized cancer are approximately 95% when compared to only 12% for advanced or metastatic kidney cancer.
- Minimally invasive treatments: Early-stage cancer often be treated with surgeries such as laparoscopic surgery. All of these procedures involve smaller incisions which only cause least operative pain, shorter stays at hospitals, and increases recovery times.
Consult Today
Kidney cancer is usually described as a silent killer, but it's not invisible. By understanding the early warning signs and being proactive about your health, anyone can significantly increase the chances of detecting this cancer early, because the treatment is effective in its initial stages.
At Oncare, we offer high-quality cancer treatments at affordable price packages with an experienced cancer specialist consultation.
If you or any loved ones of yours are diagnosed with cancer, then visit Oncare Cancer Center and book an appointment with our cancer specialists. Get an estimated cost of cancer treatments today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Early-stage kidney cancer is often known as silent. It is important to discuss any unusual signs or changes with your physician, who can give you an accurate diagnosis and avoid the chances of future complications.
Five major symptoms of kidney cancer, these may include:
- Blood in the urine
- Unintended or sudden weight loss
- Chronic fever
- Low blood red cells in the body (anemia)
- Swelling in the foot or ankle
The physician might determine the cause of kidney cancer symptoms through various diagnostic processes.
These may include:
- Blood work
- Urinanalysis
- Ultrasound
- Computed tomography
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
The tests that might show any early signs of kidney cancer including:
- Laboratory tests
- Computed tomography (CT scans)
- Imaging tests
- MRIs