According to the Kidney Cancer Institute, the term kidney mass refers to anything that has a "quantity of matter" in the kidney. A mass in the kidney can be an indication of a benign growth, a fluid-filled cyst, or a malignant tumor. Diagnosing the mass is made using a combination of X-rays, MRIs, blood tests and even a biopsy. Symptoms of a kidney mass are shared by many conditions, which leads many to delay getting medical attention. If you have more than one symptom, or the one symptom you have is causing discomfort, see a doctor.
Urine with Blood
Blood in the urine, a condition referred to in the medical community as hematuria, is a sign of a variety of conditions ranging from a kidney mass to prostate, kidney or bladder cancer. It can even be caused by a bladder infection or even a kidney stone, according to the American Cancer Society. However, when it comes to kidney masses, the Association for International Cancer Research indicates that about half of all cases include blood in the urine. Fortunately, only a minority of these are a result of a mass that's cancerous.
Back Pain
Back pain is another common symptom associated with a kidney mass. Similar to other symptoms related to kidney masses, back pain is also shared by people with urinary tract disorders in addition to many other conditions. According to the article "Symptoms and Diagnosis of Kidney and Urinary Tract Disorders" by Merck.com, the pain is specifically felt on the lower side or small of the back, and can even spread around to your middle. When pain is accompanied by fever, a kidney infection is suspected, according to the Merck site. A mass is suspected when pain is accompanied by blood in the urine.
Fatigue With Weight Loss
An unusual feeling of fatigue accompanied by surprise weight loss is another sign of a mass on the kidney, according to the article "Diagnosing Kidney Cancer: Signs and Symptoms" appearing on the website Nevaxar-us.com. Because these symptoms are commonly shared with other conditions, it makes detecting a mass difficult.
