Understanding the causes and symptoms of kidney cancer

Kidney cancer, also referred to as renal cancer, is the condition in which the cells of the kidneys start growing at an uncontrollable rate.

Unfortunately, identifying kidney cancer is not that easy. One rarely experiences any signs or symptoms in the early stages of kidney cancer that makes them suspect the ailment. However, in the later stages of kidney cancer, as the tumor grows, the patient will start experiencing some common signs.

What are some risk factors that can cause kidney cancer?
Though doctors and researchers are still doubtful about the exact causes of kidney cancer, some risk factors play a significant role in its development. Here are some risk factors that might increase one’s risk of falling prey to kidney cancer:

• Smoking
  Both tobacco smoking and cigar smoking are said to raise one’s risk of developing kidney cancer. It is believed that regular smokers are twice more likely to fall victim to kidney cancer as compared to the non-smokers.
• Aging
  As one grows older, their chances of developing kidney cancer increases, especially if they are male. Men are twice as likely to suffer from renal cancer than women.
• Obesity
  People who are overweight are more likely to develop kidney cancer as compared to those people who have a healthy body weight.
• Family history
  A family history of kidney cancer puts a person at a higher risk of suffering from this disease.

What is meant by hematuria?

• Hematuria is a medical term which refers to spotting blood in one’s urine. Hematuria is one of the most common signs that almost 40-50 % of the total kidney cancer patients experience.
• One of the easiest ways to identify this sign of kidney cancer is to look out for a change in the color of one’s urine. If the urine contains even the slightest amount of blood, then it will change its color to pink, brown or red, in contrast to its otherwise pale yellow color.
• Keep in mind that for some people, the amount of blood in their urine is so minuscule, that it can be detected only through a urine test.

How is lower back pain associated with kidney cancer?

• Though back pain is a common problem that many women and men suffer from in their old age, it also happens to be a sign that is common in people who are suffering from an advanced stage of kidney cancer.
• It is observed that almost 41% of the people who suffer from kidney cancer experience excruciating lower back pain.
• Many kidney cancer patients complain of flank pain, which refers to pain in the area that is below the ribs and above the pelvis at the back.
• Typically, the pain is similar to a sharp stab, and it is persistent, which means that it does not go away quickly and stays for at least a few days.

Is anemia a sign of kidney cancer?

• Yes, anemia is one of the common signs observed in people suffering from kidney cancer.
• Studies show that almost 21% of people who suffer from kidney cancer also suffer from anemia or have a low red blood cell count.
• Kidneys are the organs that send signals to one’s body to produce red blood cells. In the case of kidney cancer patients, their kidneys are unable to send these signals, and hence there is a reduced production of red blood cells.
• Anemia is often accompanied by chronic fatigue, and together they make it very difficult for kidney cancer patients to carry out even the simplest of tasks in their daily life without feeling tired and drained out.

It is imperative that one is aware of the signs and the symptoms of kidney cancer as it will help in early detection and treatment of the disease. If one feels that they are experiencing any of these symptoms, then they should see a doctor immediately. Their doctor will analyze their health condition and recommend the best medications and treatment options accordingly.

Tags: signs of kidney cancer, kidney cancer medications