Kidney cancer, which is also called renal cancer, occurs when cancerous cells grow within one or both kidneys. Nearly 50,000 patients were diagnosed with kidney cancer in 2009, according to estimates provided by the National Cancer Institute. Early symptoms of kidney cancer are uncommon but should be discussed with a medical professional if they occur.
No Early Symptoms
Typically, patients do not experience any symptoms during the early stage of kidney cancer. Certain patients, such as older, overweight men who smoke cigarettes, are at an increased risk of developing this form of cancer, reports MayoClinic.com. Additional kidney cancer risk factors include a family history of this disease or other kidney-related medical conditions, such as high blood pressure. Patients who are concerned about developing kidney cancer should seek additional guidance from a health care professional.
Hematuria
One of the first symptoms of kidney cancer is blood in the urine, a condition called hematuria, explains the Merck Manual, an online medical encyclopedia for patients and caregivers. Patients who have kidney cancer may notice that their urine appear abnormally discolored or cloudy due to the presence of blood cells in this bodily fluid. If this early symptom of kidney cancer occurs, affected patients should seek medical care immediately. Blood in the urine can also be a sign of other medical problems, like urinary tract infection.
Back Pain
Cancerous cells within the kidneys can irritate and inflame these organs, which are located inside the body on either side of the lower back. As a result, patients with kidney cancer can experience sensations of back pain as a symptom of the disease. Back pain may be localized to one side of the back, depending upon which kidney contains cancer cells. Sensations of back pain can be mild to severe and may persist for several weeks. Patients who develop chronic back pain symptoms should seek medical care from a physician immediately.
Flulike Symptoms
Patients with kidney cancer can develop flulike symptoms as an early sign of disease. These symptoms can include fatigue, recurrent fever, decreased appetite, weight loss or malaise, report medical professionals with the University of California San Francisco Medical Center. Fever symptoms can also contribute to additional complaints, such as headache, sweating or chills. Affected patients should discuss the emergence of flulike symptoms with a doctor as these symptoms can be a sign of infection.
