Signs and Symptoms of Kidney Cancer

Kidney cancer is a cancer that originates in the kidneys. There are two main types of kidney cancer, renal cell carcinoma and urothelial cell carcinoma. Kidney cancer in the renal tubules is renal cell carcinoma, and kidney cancer in the renal pelvis is transitional carcinoma. Children may develop a type of kidney cancer called Wilm’s tumor. We have put together a list of common signs and symptoms of kidney cancer below.

Also, we have information on diagnosis, helpful books and valuable resources for patients.

The Signs and Symptoms of Kidney Cancer are as follows:

• Blood in the urine, which may appear pink, red or dark brown
• A lump in the abdomen
• Side pain
• Loss of appetite
• Back pain below the ribs
• Fatigue
• Intermittent fever

Many people have no signs and symptoms of kidney cancer in the early stages. The signs and symptoms of kidney cancer listed above occur in the later stages of the disease. Often kidney cancer is detected during imaging procedures for other conditions. The incidence of kidney cancer is increasing, though this may be due to the increased use of imaging tests such as CT scans for other diseases or conditions.

Kidney cancer occurs most often after the age of forty. Being male, obese and a smoker increases your risk of kidney cancer. People who have been exposed to chemicals are also at a higher risk of signs and symptoms of kidney cancer.

Diagnosis of Kidney Cancer

A diagnosis of kidney cancer is made through urine and blood tests, as well as with imaging tests such as a CT scan or an MRI. A biopsy of kidney tissue is rarely recommended, as it can carry the risk of “false negatives”.

Books For People With Signs and Symptoms of Kidney Cancer

Kidney Cancer Resources

General Patient Resources

• National Cancer Institute

Information about kidney cancer treatment, clinical trials, research, statistics, and other topics from the National Cancer Institute.

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/kidney

• Kidney Cancer Association

Your source for information and support for living with kidney cancer, survival statistics, patient meetings, and more. We’re here to help.

http://www.kidneycancer.org/

• MD Anderson Cancer Center

Information on kidney cancer types, risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment options.

http://www.mdanderson.org/patient-and-cancer-information/cancer-information/cancer-types/kidney-cancer/index.html

• WD

Information including symptoms, diagnosis, misdiagnosis, treatment, causes, patient stories, videos, forums, prevention, and prognosis.

http://www.rightdiagnosis.com/k/kidney_cancer/intro.htm

• Cancer Compass

Our online kidney cancer forum offers community support and feedback for those currently coping with cancer. Visit our online resources today to research information, ask new questions and connect with other cancer patients and their loved ones.

http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/cancers/kidney-cancer/1,0,119,8.htm

• MD Junction

Cancer Forums. Discussions, Q&A and friends dealing with Kidney Cancer

http://www.mdjunction.com/forums/kidney-cancer-discussions

• Daily Strength

Discuss Renal Cell Carcinoma (Kidney Cancer) with others who understand what you’re going through.

http://www.dailystrength.org/c/Renal-Cell-Carcinoma-Kidney-Cancer/forum

Medical Resources

• Mayo Clinic

Comprehensive overview covers symptoms, treatment of kidney cancer, including renal cell carcinoma.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/kidney-cancer/DS00360

• Pub Med Health

Reviews causes, incidence, risk factors, symptoms, treatment, prognosis and complications.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001544/

• Web MD

Learn more about kidney cancer, including the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments.

http://www.webmd.com/cancer/understanding-kidney-cancer