Renal cancer is a cancer that originates from the various cells in the kidney. Renal cell carcinoma is the most common kidney cancer in adults ages 50 to 70, states Medline Plus. The exact cause of the disease is unknown, but there are risk factors such as history of dialysis treatment or smoking. Renal carcinoma has many symptoms that can help doctor's diagnose the presence of the disease.
Blood in Urine
The presence of blood in the urine is a common symptom of renal cancer, according to Patient UK. This condition is called hematuria. The bleeding is painless and usually caused by the tumor bleeding into the tube that conducts urine flow. The urine may be tinged red or brown by the blood. Blood in the urine can be caused by conditions other than renal carcinoma. Those who see blood in their urine should seek medical advice in order to clarify the cause of the bleeding.
Abdominal Pain
Abdominal pain is one of the symptoms of renal cell carcinoma, reports The Merck Manual. The pain is usually located at the flank, or side, of the patient. The pain may radiate to the back, where the kidneys are located. The pain is caused by the tumor swelling and stretching the tissue of the kidney.
Red Blood Cell Abnormalities
Patients may develop either an excess level of red blood cells, called polycythemia, or a deficiency in red blood cells, or anemia, states Patient UK. The polycythemia is caused by the overproduction of a hormone called erythropoietin (EPO), which is synthesized by the kidney. Increased levels of EPO can cause an excess production of red blood cells. This condition can lead to clotting disorders and high blood pressure. Anemia may be caused by excessive bleeding associated with renal cancer. The tumor may be bleeding so severely that red blood cell production is unable to compensate. Anemia can manifest as paleness or pallor in the patient.
Abdominal Mass
As the tumor grows, patients may notice a mass growing in the area above the kidney, according to The Merck Manual. The patient may be able to feel the mass. This nodule is only apparent if the kidney has grown very large or the patient is very thin. The mass is located in the flank or back of the abdomen and is usually not painful when touched.
Fever
Fever is a common symptom patients with renal carcinoma experience, according to Patient UK. The fever is usually high and accompanied by sweating. The fever is not a response to a bacterial or viral infection but is rather caused by the cancer.
