Anemia
Anemiais currently themost commonpresenting symptom of kidney cancer, and is present in one third of people diagnosed.
With kidney cancer, anemia occurs because of chronic blood loss through the urine.
Pain in the flank that occurs without an obvious injury should always be investigated.
Verywell
Cachexia
Cachexiais a syndrome characterized by weight loss, loss of appetite, and loss of muscle mass.
It’s thought that cachexia is present in around 30 percent of people diagnosed with kidney cancer.
High Blood Pressure
The kidneys produce hormones that play an important role in regulating blood pressure.
Get our printable guide for your next healthcare provider’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
Persistent high blood pressure may be a symptom of kidney cancer.
In turn, persistent high blood pressure can lead to further kidney damage.
There are several possible cancerous (malignant) causes of cutaneous flushing, one of which is kidney cancer.
Over 30 percent of people have metastases at the time of diagnosis.
Cough
Apersistent coughis the most common symptom ofcancer spread to the lungs.
Bone Pain
The bones are the second most common site of kidney cancer metastases (after the lungs).
Bone pain from metastases can be severe, and is usually not associated with any form of injury.
Sometimes the first sign of cancer is a fracture in the area of weakened bone.
Rare Symptoms
There are a few uncommon but unique symptoms associated with kidney cancer.
Varicocele
A varicocele is an enlarged vein (varicose vein) that occurs in the scrotum or testicle.
Symptoms may include swelling, pain, and shrinkage of the testicle.
Complications
There are a number of complications that may occur due to kidney cancer.
They may occur due to the tumor itself, due totreatmentsof the tumor, or due to metastatic disease.
They are discussed here so that people can be empowered in their health care and aware of potential concerns.
When cancer cells are present, this is referred to as amalignant pleural effusion.
Sometimes a large amount of fluid (several liters) accumulates, causing significant shortness of breath.
Pathological Fractures
Bone pain may be an early symptom of kidney cancer when metastases are present.
These are referred to aspathologic fractures.
Fortunately, there are a variety of treatments available today that can reduce these complications.
As discussed earlier, the kidneys play an important role in regulating blood pressure.
Treatment Complications
Treatments for kidney cancer may include removing part or all of the kidney.
Get our printable guide for your next healthcare provider’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
Symptoms are our body’s way of signaling that something is wrong.
Talk to your healthcare provider and ask questions.
If you still don’t have answers, consider getting a second opinion.
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