What are the signs and symptoms of kidney cancer?
The most common sign of kidney cancer is blood in the urine, a painless condition called hematuria. This sign of renal cell carcinoma occurs in about 60 percent of patients. Bear in mind, however, that hematuria can also indicate many noncancerous conditions, such as kidney stones, kidney infections or benign tumors. Other warning signals of kidney cancer include: low back pain; a mass or hard lump in the belly; unexplained weight loss; fatigue; recurrent fevers (not stemming from an infection); persistent pain in the side; swelling of the ankles and legs; low red blood cell counts (anemia); and high blood pressure. These signs and symptoms can also be caused by less serious conditions. However, if you notice any of them, it is important to see your doctor for an evaluation as soon as possible. Unfortunately, kidney cancer frequently goes undiagnosed (or misdiagnosed) until it has already metastasized (spread). Because so many people over age 40 suffer from back pain, for example, this
