Kidney Cancer: Symptoms, Signs & Causes

Kidney cancer – also called renal cell carcinoma (RCC) – is one of the ten most common cancers worldwide. In India, its incidence is rising, with increasing cases being detected in Odisha and across the country. The good news? When caught early, kidney cancer is highly treatable. That is why understanding the early symptoms of kidney cancer, risk factors, and when to get tested is so important.

What Is Kidney Cancer?

Your kidneys are two bean-shaped organs located on either side of your spine, just below your rib cage. Their main job is to filter waste and excess fluids from your blood to make urine. Kidney cancer starts when cells in the kidney begin to grow uncontrollably and form a tumour.

The most common type is renal cell carcinoma (RCC), which begins in the lining of the small tubes inside the kidney. Less common types include transitional cell carcinoma and Wilms tumour (mostly seen in children).

Early & Common Symptoms of Kidney Cancer

One of the challenges with kidney cancer is that it often causes no symptoms in the early stages. Many cases are discovered incidentally during imaging done for other reasons. However, as the tumour grows, the following signs may appear:

1. Blood in the Urine (Hematuria)

This is the most common warning sign. You may notice your urine appearing pink, red, or brownish. Importantly, hematuria in kidney cancer is often painless and may come and go – making it easy to dismiss. Do not ignore even a single episode of blood in your urine.

2. Persistent Pain in the Side or Lower Back

A dull ache or sharp pain on one side of the back – between the ribs and hip – that does not go away with rest or routine pain relief may be a sign of kidney involvement. This is different from ordinary muscle pain.

3. A Lump or Mass in the Abdomen

In some cases, a mass can be felt in the side or abdomen. This may be noticed during a self-exam or a routine physical check-up by a doctor.

4. Unexplained Weight Loss

Losing weight without changing your diet or exercise habits – especially rapidly – can be a systemic sign of cancer. When accompanied by other symptoms, it warrants urgent medical evaluation.

5. Persistent Fatigue

Cancer-related anaemia (low red blood cell count) can cause ongoing tiredness and weakness that does not improve with rest. It is different from everyday tiredness.

6. Fever Without an Obvious Infection

Recurring low-grade fever that has no clear cause – such as a cold, flu, or other infection – can be a paraneoplastic symptom (a sign produced by the body’s response to a tumour).

7. High Blood Pressure – Sudden Onset

The kidney plays a key role in blood pressure regulation. A tumour can disrupt this function, causing a sudden rise in blood pressure, especially in someone who never had hypertension before.

8. Swelling in the Legs or Ankles

Oedema (fluid build-up) in the lower limbs can occur if the cancer spreads to nearby lymph nodes or blocks the large vein draining the kidney (renal vein).

9. Anaemia

Kidney cancer can reduce the production of erythropoietin – a hormone that stimulates red blood cell production – leading to anaemia and all its associated symptoms.

📌  Important Note – When to See a Doctor ■    You notice blood in your urine – even once and even if it goes away ■    You have unexplained side or back pain lasting more than two weeks ■    You notice a new lump or swelling in your abdomen or side ■    You are experiencing unexplained weight loss, fatigue, or persistent fever ■    You have a family history of kidney cancer or genetic syndromes like Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) ■    Early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes – do not wait for symptoms to worsen

Kidney Cancer Symptoms at a Glance

The table below summarises the key symptoms of kidney cancer, what they may indicate, and when you should seek medical advice:

Symptom / Sign	What It May Mean	When to Seek Help
Blood in urine (hematuria)	Tumour bleeding into the urinary tract	Immediately – even once
Persistent flank pain	Growing tumour pressing on nearby tissue	If lasting more than 2 weeks
Palpable lump in abdomen/side	Mass formed by tumour	As soon as noticed
Unexplained weight loss	Cancer affecting metabolism	If losing weight without trying
Persistent fatigue	Anaemia or systemic effect of cancer	If severe or not improving
High blood pressure (new onset)	Tumour affecting renin production	Monitor and consult doctor
Swollen ankles or legs	Spread to lymph nodes or veins	Promptly if sudden onset
Night sweats / fever (no infection)	Paraneoplastic syndrome	After ruling out infection

This table is for informational purposes. Always consult a qualified doctor for diagnosis.

Causes & Risk Factors of Kidney Cancer

The exact cause of kidney cancer is not always known, but certain factors significantly raise the risk. Understanding these can help you make informed lifestyle choices and know when to screen.

1. Smoking

Smokers are twice as likely to develop kidney cancer as non-smokers. Harmful chemicals in tobacco enter the bloodstream and can damage kidney cells over time.

2. Obesity

Excess body weight alters hormone levels – particularly insulin and oestrogen – which may promote abnormal cell growth in the kidneys. Obesity is one of the most modifiable risk factors.

3. High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

Chronic high blood pressure places ongoing stress on kidney tissue. This cellular damage over time can increase the risk of cancerous changes.

4. Chronic Kidney Disease & Long-Term Dialysis

People with long-standing kidney disease or who have been on dialysis for extended periods face a higher risk of developing kidney cysts that may become cancerous.

5. Family History & Genetic Factors

A family history of kidney cancer increases your personal risk. Certain inherited conditions also raise the risk considerably, including:

• Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease
• Hereditary papillary renal cell carcinoma
• Birt-Hogg-Dube syndrome
• Tuberous sclerosis complex

6. Workplace Exposure to Chemicals

Long-term occupational exposure to substances such as trichloroethylene, cadmium, asbestos, and certain herbicides has been linked to an elevated kidney cancer risk.

7. Age and Gender

Kidney cancer is more common in people over 40 years of age and is approximately twice as common in men as in women. This may be related to hormonal differences and higher rates of smoking and occupational exposure in men.

8. Certain Medications

Prolonged use of over-the-counter pain relievers – particularly phenacetin (now banned in many countries) and some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in excessive amounts – has been associated with kidney damage and increased cancer risk.

Stages of Kidney Cancer – A Simple Overview

Kidney cancer is classified into four stages based on tumour size and how far it has spread:

• Stage I – Tumour is 7 cm or smaller, confined to the kidney
• Stage II – Tumour is larger than 7 cm, still confined to the kidney
• Stage III – Cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes or major blood vessels
• Stage IV – Cancer has spread to distant organs such as the lungs, bones, or liver

The earlier the stage at diagnosis, the better the outcomes. This is why screening matters for those at high risk.

How Is Kidney Cancer Diagnosed?

If your doctor suspects kidney cancer based on your symptoms and physical examination, they will typically recommend one or more of the following investigations:

• Urine test (urinalysis) – to detect blood or abnormal cells in urine
• Blood tests – to check kidney function and look for signs of anaemia
• Ultrasound scan – a safe, painless first-line imaging tool for kidney masses
• CT scan (computed tomography) – provides detailed cross-sectional images to size and characterise the tumour
• MRI scan – offers high-resolution soft tissue detail, especially useful for vascular involvement
• Image-guided biopsy – used in selected cases to confirm the tissue type before treatment

Can Kidney Cancer Be Prevented?

While not all cases are preventable, you can reduce your risk meaningfully by making these changes:

• Quit smoking – this is the single most impactful lifestyle change
• Maintain a healthy weight through balanced diet and regular exercise
• Keep blood pressure under control with regular monitoring and medication if needed
• Stay hydrated – drink adequate water daily to support kidney function
• Limit prolonged use of NSAIDs and consult your doctor before long-term medication use
• Undergo regular health check-ups if you have risk factors or a family history

Concerned About Your Kidney Health?

Early diagnosis can make a significant difference in treatment outcomes. If you experience blood in the urine, persistent flank pain, unexplained weight loss, or other warning signs discussed in this article, consult a qualified healthcare professional promptly.

Prolife Diagnostics Bhubaneswar offers advanced diagnostic services to support the evaluation of kidney-related conditions and assist your healthcare provider in making informed decisions.

For appointments or enquiries, Call Now or visit www.prolifediagnostics.in

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