Blood in your urine can be alarming. So can pain in your side that doesn’t go away or a lump you can’t explain. These symptoms don’t always mean you have kidney cancer, but they should be checked by a doctor.
Kidney cancer can be hard to find early because it may not cause symptoms at first. In fact, some kidney tumors are found during a CT scan, MRI, or other imaging test done for another reason.
Knowing which kidney cancer symptoms to watch for can help you know when it’s time to talk with your doctor.
What Are the Most Common Kidney Cancer Symptoms?
Kidney cancer symptoms can vary from person to person. Here are some of the warning signs to watch for.
1. Blood in the Urine
Blood in the urine, also called hematuria, is one the most common kidney cancer symptoms. Your urine may look pink, red or brown. Sometimes, there isn’t enough blood to see, and it’s only found during a urine test.
Blood in the urine can come and go, and it may not cause pain. Even if you only see blood once or it goes away, talk with your doctor.
Kidney cancer is only one possible cause. Kidney stones, urinary tract infections, and bladder problems can also cause blood in the urine.
2. Pain in Your Side or Back
Kidney cancer can sometimes cause pain on one side of your back or side, between your lower ribs and hip.
Talk with your doctor if the pain doesn’t go away, especially if you also notice blood in your urine or other unexplained symptoms.
3. A Lump in Your Side or Abdomen
A kidney tumor may sometimes cause a lump or fullness in your side, lower back, or abdomen.
Small kidney tumors usually can’t be felt because the kidneys sit deep inside the body. A lump is more likely to develop as a tumor gets larger. Any new lump or swelling should be checked by your doctor.
4. Unexplained Weight Loss or Loss of Appetite
Losing weight without trying can sometimes be a sign of kidney cancer. You may also notice that you’re less hungry than usual.
There are many possible reasons for changes in your weight or appetite. But talk with your doctor if you can’t explain the change or it continues.
5. Fatigue or Anemia
Kidney cancer can sometimes cause anemia, which means you don’t have enough healthy red blood cells.
Anemia can make you feel tired or weak. You may also notice that you don’t have as much energy as usual. A blood test can check your red blood cell count.
6. Fever Without an Infection
Infections are a much more common cause of fever. But kidney cancer can sometimes cause a fever that doesn’t go away or keeps coming back.
Talk with your doctor if you have an ongoing fever and don’t know what’s causing it.
Can You Have Kidney Cancer Without Symptoms?
Yes. Kidney cancer often doesn’t cause symptoms when a tumor is small.
The kidneys sit deep inside your body, so a small tumor usually can’t be seen or felt during a routine exam. There also isn’t a routine screening test for kidney cancer for most people who don’t have symptoms or a higher risk.
That’s why some kidney tumors are found by accident during imaging tests done for another health problem.
When Should I See a Urologist for Kidney Cancer Symptoms?
Blood in your urine should be checked, even if you only see it once. You should also talk with a doctor about pain in your side or back that doesn’t go away, a new lump in your abdomen, or other symptoms you can’t explain.
These symptoms can have many causes besides cancer. A urologist can find out what’s causing them and decide whether you need imaging or other tests.
If you’re concerned about kidney cancer symptoms, schedule an appointment with Carolina Urology Partners in Charlotte, NC, or Columbia, SC. Our urology team can help you understand your next steps.
