Kidney and bladder cancers have a greater chance of cure and better survival rates when they are identified early, according to the Patient UK website. However, common symptoms of bladder and kidney cancers can be overlooked or misattributed. In order to prevent misdiagnosis and ensure prompt attention is paid to the cancers while they are in their early stages, it is important to learn about bladder and kidney cancer symptoms.
Blood in the Urine
According to the Patient UK website, the most common symptom of kidney cancer is the presence of blood in the urine. This is also the most common symptom of bladder cancer. Formally known as hematuria, this symptom may not be a steady symptom.
For kidney cancer, the blood is coming from tumors rather than the kidneys themselves, notes the Patient UK website, so it can start and stop. With bladder cancer, the bleeding can be visible to the naked eye or in microscopic amounts, seeming again to start and stop depending on tumor growth and behavior. In many cases, it will turn the urine a rust color. There is generally no pain associated with this symptom.
Loin Pain
Tumor growth associated with kidney cancer may generate pain in the side or back of the abdomen. According to MayoClinic.com, abdominal and back pain is also associated with bladder cancer. Thus, "loin pain," as it is colloquially known, is a potential symptom which patients should not ignore. UTMedicalCenter.org notes that pain in this area that will not go away should be considered a classic bladder and kidney cancer symptom.
Urinary Pain
Those with bladder cancer may experience painful urination. As this symptom can be misattributed, cancer screening is recommended. According to the UTMedicalCenter.org and MayoClinic.com, this urinary pain may be accompanied by the need for frequent urination.
Anemia
The Patient UK website notes that the bleeding associated with kidney cancer can lead to anemia. Individuals with blood in the urine or anemic symptoms, such as fatigue, should see a doctor.
