Kidney Cancer Early Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
By Dr. Anup Ramani
Kidney cancer is a type of cancer that originates in the kidneys, which are responsible for filtering waste from the blood and producing urine. Early detection of kidney cancer is crucial for effective treatment and better outcomes. However, kidney cancer in its early stages often doesn’t present obvious symptoms, which makes it more difficult to diagnose in the initial phases. That’s why it’s important to be aware of the early warning signs of kidney cancer.
In this article, we will discuss the early warning signs of kidney cancer that you should never ignore. Recognizing these signs can help with timely medical intervention and potentially save lives.
Blood in the Urine (Hematuria)
One of the most common early signs of kidney cancer is blood in the urine, known as hematuria. This can occur in both visible (gross hematuria) and microscopic forms.
- Visible hematuria: The urine appears pink, red, or brownish due to the presence of blood.
- Microscopic hematuria: Blood is not visible, but can be detected through a urine test.
While hematuria is not always caused by kidney cancer, it is a significant symptom that requires attention. Kidney tumors may bleed into the urinary tract, leading to the presence of blood in the urine.
Persistent Pain in the Side or Lower Back
Pain in the flank (the side between the ribs and the hip) or lower back that doesn’t go away is another early warning sign of kidney cancer. This pain can be dull or sharp and may be mistaken for muscle pain or other common issues like a pulled muscle.
However, if the pain persists for a long period or if it’s unusual compared to past pain experiences, it’s crucial to consult a doctor. The tumor can grow large enough to press on the kidney or nearby organs, causing discomfort and pain.
A Lump or Mass in the Abdomen
In some cases, a lump or mass can be felt in the abdomen or side, especially if the kidney cancer has grown large. A lump may not always be painful, and its size can vary.
Not all abdominal lumps are cancerous, but if you notice any unusual masses or swelling in the abdominal area, it’s important to seek medical advice for an accurate diagnosis.
Fatigue and Weakness
Chronic fatigue or unexplained weakness can be a symptom of kidney cancer, particularly when the cancer progresses. The body may experience fatigue due to the body’s response to cancer or as a result of reduced kidney function caused by the tumor.
People with kidney cancer may feel more tired than usual or have trouble completing everyday activities. This type of fatigue is not relieved by rest, which is a key difference from typical tiredness.
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Unexplained Weight Loss
Unintentional weight loss without any changes in diet or physical activity is another sign of kidney cancer. Weight loss can occur due to the body’s inability to absorb nutrients properly or because the tumor consumes the body’s energy.
If you are losing weight despite maintaining normal eating habits, it’s essential to bring it to your doctor’s attention, as this could be a sign of kidney cancer or another underlying health condition.
Fever and Night Sweats
Fever that comes and goes, often accompanied by night sweats, is a potential symptom of kidney cancer. This could be due to an immune response to the cancer or the body’s effort to fight infection caused by the tumor.
Persistent fever or night sweats without an apparent cause, such as an infection, should not be ignored and should be investigated further.
Swelling in the Legs or Ankles
When kidney function begins to decline due to the spread of cancer, it can lead to a build-up of fluid in the body, causing swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet. This happens because the kidneys are not able to filter fluids and waste as effectively.
If you notice any unusual swelling or fluid retention, especially along with other kidney cancer symptoms, it’s important to consult a doctor.
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
High blood pressure or hypertension can sometimes be an early indicator of kidney cancer. Tumors in the kidneys can affect hormone levels, leading to increased blood pressure. Uncontrolled high blood pressure can worsen over time and should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
If your blood pressure is persistently high and not responding to treatment, it may be worth investigating kidney cancer as a potential cause.
Loss of Appetite
A loss of appetite, often accompanied by a feeling of fullness, can be a sign of kidney cancer. This symptom is often linked to advanced stages of the disease when the tumor is pressing on surrounding organs. The loss of appetite could also be due to the body’s inflammatory response to cancer.
If you notice a persistent loss of appetite that is not related to other known causes, it’s important to consult your doctor.
Anemia (Low Red Blood Cell Count)
Kidney cancer can lead to anemia, a condition where you have a lower-than-normal number of red blood cells. Anemia can cause symptoms like fatigue, paleness, and shortness of breath. This is often a result of the kidney’s decreased ability to produce erythropoietin, a hormone responsible for stimulating red blood cell production.
If you’re experiencing symptoms like unexplained fatigue and shortness of breath, it could be linked to kidney cancer-related anemia.
When Should You See a Doctor?
If you experience any of the early warning signs mentioned above, it’s important to see a healthcare professional as soon as possible. While these symptoms may not always indicate kidney cancer, they are worth discussing with your doctor, who can conduct tests such as:
- Ultrasound
- CT scan
- MRI
- Urine tests
- Blood tests
Early detection is key to better treatment outcomes and can make a significant difference in the prognosis of kidney cancer.
Conclusion
While kidney cancer can be challenging to detect in its early stages due to its often subtle symptoms, there are certain early warning signs that should not be ignored. Blood in the urine, persistent pain, fatigue, and other symptoms could indicate the presence of kidney cancer. If you experience any of these signs, seeking medical attention promptly can lead to earlier diagnosis and more effective treatment options.
Remember, only a healthcare professional can provide an accurate diagnosis, and early detection significantly improves the chances of successful treatment. Be proactive about your health and consult a doctor if you experience any of the symptoms mentioned in this article.
FAQs About Kidney Cancer
What is the most common early symptom of kidney cancer?
The most common early symptom is blood in the urine (hematuria), which can be visible or microscopic.
Can kidney cancer be detected with routine screening?
Kidney cancer is not typically detected through routine screenings, so it’s important to be aware of the symptoms and seek medical attention if you experience any of them.
What is the survival rate for kidney cancer if detected early?
The five-year survival rate for Stage I kidney cancer is around 90%, making early detection crucial for successful treatment.
Can high blood pressure be a sign of kidney cancer?
Yes, high blood pressure (hypertension) can be an early sign of kidney cancer, particularly if it is difficult to control.
What tests are used to diagnose kidney cancer?
Diagnostic tests for kidney cancer include CT scans, MRI scans, ultrasound, and urine and blood tests.
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PARTIAL PENECTOMY
- Partial penectomy is done in cases where glans and distal penis is involved with carcinoma.
- Partial penectomy is a type of organ-preserving surgery. Preservation of sexual and micturational function depends on the surgical dissection and reconstruction of residual urethra.
Kidney Stone Removal
- Patients who develop stones in the kidney or ureter, often experience severe pain.
- This condition usually needs a procedure to remove the kidney stones.
- This procedure is called ureteroscopy and is performed very commonly.
- It does not require any cuts and hence it is painless.
- The procedure is performed with an endoscope inserted through the penis under spinal anesthesia.
- The scope is inserted through the penis into the kidney and stones are dissolved with a laser.
- The procedure takes about 40-50 minutes.
- A catheter (urine pipe) is kept after the procedure to drain the bladder. A stent is kept in the kidney at the same time.
- Patient is mobile and walking in the room the same evening.
- Hospital stay is one night and patient is discharged the next day after removal of the catheter.
- Patient has to come back after six weeks to remove the stent in the kidney.
- Patients can resume office a week after surgery and heavy activities like running, weight lifting, a month after the procedure.
- We offer fixed packages for this procedure which can be obtained by calling our helpline +91 9967666060.
- Men with an enlarged prostate, which is a normal ageing changes, often experiencing difficulty passing urine. This condition usually needs a procedure to trim the prostate and relieve the blockage.
- This procedure is called TURP and is performed very commonly.
- It does not require any cuts and hence it is painless.
- The procedure is performed with an endoscope inserted through the penis under spinal anaesthesia.
- The overgrown prostate is dissolved with a laser bloodlessly.
- The procedure takes about 40 minutes.
- A catheter (urine pipe) is kept after the procedure to drain the bladder.
- Patient is mobile and walking in the room the same evening.
- Hospital stay is two nights and patient is discharged with the catheter, which is removed after 4 days.
- Patients can resume office a week after surgery and heavy activities like running, weight lifting, a month after the procedure.
- We offer fixed packages for this procedure which can be obtained by calling our helpline +91 9967666060.
ROBOTIC ADRENALECTOMY FOR ADRENAL GLAND TUMOUR
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Robotic adrenalectomy is a sophisticated, complex surgery and it is very important that an experienced surgeon performs this surgery to avoid major complications.
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Once the anesthesia is done, and patient positioned, three micro cuts (3mm each) are made in the patient’s abdomen.
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The arms of the Da Vinci robot are connected to the cuts via ports (tubes).
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Dr. Ramani then sits in the controlling console to perform the surgery.
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On an average, a robotic adrenalectomy takes one hour.
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The surgery is almost completely bloodless and there has never been any need to transfuse blood after surgery.
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A urine catheter and bag to drain the bladder is inserted during surgery.
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A tiny drain pipe may be inserted in the surgical side of the abdomen, connected to a bag.
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Patient is kept nil-by-mouth the day of the surgery, with IV fluids. Sips of water are started the next day and solid food by day three.
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The drain pipe, if kept, is removed in the room on day 2 after surgery.
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The catheter is removed on day two after surgery.
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Total hospital stay for robotic adrenalectomy is 4 nights (including night before surgery).
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Post discharge, a doctor from the surgical team visits the patient at home/ hotel room once every day.
RETURN TO ACTIVITY
On the day of discharge, patient is totally self-sufficient. They are able to walk freely without any pain, dress themselves, shower, toilet and they do not need to hire any nurse or help at home. Almost all patients are back to work within 2 weeks of surgery.
Heavy activities like running, weight lifting can be resumed after a month
FOLLOW UP AFTER SURGERY
Follow up after an adrenalectomy is in the form of CT scans, once a year for 5 years.
Local patients usually meet Dr. Ramani after two weeks to discuss report.Outstation patients are counselled on a phone consultation.
ROBOTIC SURGERY FOR BLADDER CANCER
- Dr. Ramani is one of the very few surgeons in India who has the expertise to perform a robotic surgery for bladder cancer, which includes removing the urinary bladder and reconstructing a new bladder robotically.
- Robotic radical cystectomy is an extremely sophisticated, complex surgery and it is very important that an experienced surgeon performs this surgery to avoid major complications.
- Once the anaesthesia is done, and patient positioned, six micro cuts (3mm each) are made in the patient’s abdomen.
- The arms of the Da Vinci robot are connected to the cuts via ports (tubes).
- Dr. Ramani then sits in the controlling console to perform the surgery.
- On an average, a robotic radical cystectomy with an ileal conduit takes 3-4 hours.
- The surgery is almost completely bloodless and there has never been any need to transfuse blood after surgery.
- A urine catheter and bag to drain the new bladder is inserted during surgery.
- Two tiny drain pipe in inserted in the surgical side of the abdomen, connected to a bag.
- Patient is kept nil-by-mouth for 4 days after surgery with IV supplementation of patient’s daily requirements of calories, fats, carbohydrates, proteins and electrolytes.
- The drain pipes are removed in the room on day 3-5 after surgery.
- Total hospital stay for radical cystectomy is 8 nights (including night before surgery).
- Post discharge, a doctor from the surgical team visits the patient at home/ hotel room once every day.
RETURN TO ACTIVITY
- On the day of discharge, patient is totally self-sufficient. They are able to walk freely without any pain, dress themselves, shower, toilet and they do not need to hire any nurse or help at home.
- Almost all patients are back to work within 6 weeks of surgery. Heavy activities like running, weight lifting can be resumed after two months.
FOLLOW UP AFTER SURGERY
Follow up after a radical a cystectomy is in the form of CT scans, once a year for 5 years.
Histopathology report: Local patients usually meet Dr. Ramani after two weeks to discuss report.
Outstation patients are counselled on a phone consult. Depending on the report, patient may or may not need chemotherapy after surgery.
If chemo is needed, patients may choose to get it done with a medical oncologist of their choice or avail the services of one of the four medical oncologists on our team.
ROBOTIC RADICAL/PARTIAL NEPHRECTOMY FOR KIDNEY CANCER
- Robotic partial nephrectomy is a sophisticated, complex surgery and it is very important that an experienced surgeon performs this surgery to avoid major complications. Robotic radical (total) nephrectomy is
- relatively easier but still requires significant experience to consistently deliver results.
- Once the anaesthesia is done, and patient positioned, five micro cuts (3mm each) are made in the patient’s abdomen.
- The arms of the Da Vinci robot are connected to the cuts via ports (tubes).
- Dr. Ramani then sits in the controlling console to perform the surgery.
- On an average, a robotic radical nephrectomy takes one hour and a robotic partial nephrectomy takes about an hour and half.
- The surgery is almost completely bloodless and there has never been any need to transfuse blood after surgery.
- A urine catheter and bag to drain the bladder is inserted during surgery.
- A tiny drain pipe in inserted in the surgical side of the abdomen, connected to a bag.
- Patient is kept nil-by-mouth the day of the surgery, with IV fluids. Sips of water are started the next day and solid food by day three.
- The drain pipe is removed in the room on day 3 after surgery. The catheter is removed on day two after surgery.
- Total hospital stay for radical/partial nephrectomy is 4 nights (including night before surgery).
- Post discharge, a doctor from the surgical team visits the patient at home/ hotel room once every day.
RETURN TO ACTIVITY
- On the day of discharge, patient is totally self- sufficient.
- They are able to walk freely without any pain, dress themselves, shower, toilet and they do not need to hire any nurse or help at home.
- Almost all patients are back to work within 2-3 weeks of surgery.
- Heavy activities like running, weight lifting can be resumed after a month.
FOLLOW UP AFTER SURGERY
- Follow up after a radical/partial Nephrectomy is in the form of CT scans, once a year for 5 years.
- Local patients usually meet Dr. Ramani after two weeks to discuss report.
- Outstation patients are counselled on a phone consultation.