What are Kidney Cancer Symptoms and Causes?

Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr Kovvuru Bhaskar Reddy , Oncologists

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1. Causes 2. Find a Doctor 3. Diagnosis 4. Treatment 5. FAQs

Kidney cancer, or renal cancer, involves uncontrollable growth of cells that form tumors. These malignant tumors can damage nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body. Most kidney tumors originate in the kidney's small tube lining and are termed renal cell carcinoma.

Ranked among the top 10 cancers for both men and women, kidney cancer has a lifetime risk of about 2.02% for men and 1.03% for women. Early detection is crucial as it improves treatment effectiveness, with options including surgery, immunotherapy, and chemotherapy.

What are the Types of Kidney Cancer?

There are various types of kidney cancer, such as:

Renal cell carcinoma
Transitional cell cancer
Renal sarcoma
Wilms tumor

What are the Symptoms of Kidney Cancer?

Many patients might not have any early indications of kidney cancer. Symptoms may appear as cancer grows in size. One may be experiencing one or more of the following kidney cancer symptoms:

Fever that lasts for weeks and isn't caused by a cold or other infection.
Blood in your urine
A loss of appetite
A lump in your side or abdomen
Weight loss that occurs for no known reason
Anemia
A pain in your side that doesn't go away
Extreme fatigue
Swelling in your ankles or legs

Other signs of kidney cancer that might indicate metastasis are:

What are the Causes of Kidney Cancer?

The cause of kidney cancer is unknown. However, old age is one of the main risk factors.

When to see a Doctor for Kidney Cancer?

If you experience blood in the urine, persistent pain in the side or lower back, an unexplained lump near the kidney, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, or persistent fever, consult an Oncologist for a comprehensive evaluation. Seek immediate medical attention if you develop severe bleeding in the urine, intense pain, sudden swelling, or symptoms suggesting advanced disease.

Blood in the urine (hematuria), even if it occurs only once.
Persistent pain in the side, back, or below the ribs.
A lump or swelling in the side or abdomen.
Unexplained weight loss or loss of appetite.
Persistent fatigue or weakness.
Fever that does not have an obvious cause.
Night sweats or persistent general ill health.
Swelling in the legs or ankles.
Persistent high blood pressure or worsening kidney function without a clear cause.
Sudden severe pain, heavy blood in the urine, difficulty breathing, or symptoms suggesting the cancer has spread, requiring emergency medical care.

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How is Kidney Cancer Diagnosed?

If you have kidney cancer symptoms, the doctor will take a complete medical history and perform a physical examination. Doctors may also recommend specific tests to help diagnose and evaluate kidney cancer. These tests may include:

Urinalysis: A urine sample is tested to check for blood in the urine. Even small amounts of blood, invisible to the human eye, can be detected through urine testing.
Blood Tests: These tests measure different types of blood cells and evaluate electrolyte levels. They can also detect anemia and assess kidney function by measuring creatinine levels.
CT Scan: This imaging test uses X-rays and computer technology to create detailed cross-sectional images of the kidneys. It is often performed with intravenous contrast dye, although patients with poor kidney function may not be able to receive the dye.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): This scan uses a powerful magnetic field, radio waves, and a computer to produce detailed images of the inside of the body.
Ultrasound: High-frequency sound waves create images of the kidneys, helping identify tumors by distinguishing them from healthy tissue.
Renal Mass Biopsy: A thin needle is inserted into the kidney tumor to remove a small tissue sample for laboratory examination.
Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP): A special dye is injected into a vein, allowing X-rays to capture clear images of the kidneys. This test helps detect tumors or urinary tract blockages.

What are the Treatment Options for Kidney Cancer?

The stage and grade of the tumor, as well as your age and overall health, influence kidney cancer treatment. Treatment options include the following:

Surgery

Surgery is the recommended treatment for most stages of kidney cancer. There are several surgical options to consider, including:

Partial Nephrectomy: The surgeon removes the part of the kidney that contains the tumor.
Radical Nephrectomy: The surgeon removes the entire kidney, some surrounding tissues, and a portion of the nearby lymph nodes. When one kidney is removed, the remaining kidney is usually able to perform the functions of both kidneys.

Ablation

Cold and heat can sometimes destroy cancer cells. People who are not suitable candidates for surgery may benefit from cryoablation or radiofrequency ablation.

Cryoablation

During this procedure, a needle is inserted into the kidney tumor. Cold gas is then used to freeze and destroy the cancer cells.

Radiofrequency Ablation

During radiofrequency ablation, a needle is inserted into the kidney tumor. An electrical current is then passed through the needle to destroy the cancer cells.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy is often used to relieve kidney cancer symptoms, such as pain.

Targeted Drug Therapy

This treatment blocks specific properties that help cancer cells grow. Targeted drug therapy is commonly used when surgery is not possible. In some cases, these medications may also be used after surgery to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy uses medications to strengthen your immune system, helping your body recognize and destroy cancer cells. It may be used alone or in combination with surgery.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is not commonly used to treat kidney cancer. However, it may benefit some patients after immunotherapy and targeted drug therapy are no longer effective. Chemotherapy medications can be given orally or intravenously and are generally well tolerated.

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What are the Complications of Kidney Cancer?

Complications from kidney cancer may include:

Local tumor spread (metastasis), leading to increased discomfort.
Kidney failure.

How Can Kidney Cancer Be Prevented?

Improving your overall health may help lower the risk of kidney cancer. Consider the following preventive measures:

Quit Smoking: There are several methods to quit smoking, including support groups and nicotine replacement therapies. Speak with your doctor to find the best approach for you.
Maintain a Healthy Weight: Make an effort to maintain a healthy body weight. If you are overweight or obese, reduce your daily calorie intake, stay physically active, and consult your doctor about safe and effective weight-loss strategies.
Control High Blood Pressure: If you have high blood pressure, discuss treatment options with your doctor. Regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and following a balanced diet can help lower blood pressure.

What are the Risk Factors for Kidney Cancer?

Certain risk factors may increase the chance of developing this disease. They include:

Smoking: Cigarette smoking puts individuals at a greater risk of developing kidney cancer. Furthermore, the longer a person smokes, the higher the risk.
Obesity: Obesity raises the risk of kidney cancer. The more a person's weight, the greater the risk.
High Blood Pressure: Hypertension has been linked to an increased risk of kidney cancer.
Family History: A person with a family history of kidney cancer may be more prone to get this illness.
Radiation Therapy: Women who have received radiation therapy for gynecological-related cancer may have a slightly higher chance of acquiring kidney cancer.
Gene Changes: Genes contain instructions for the function of a cell. Specific genetic mutations can increase the likelihood of developing kidney cancer.
Tuberous Sclerosis Complex: Tuberous sclerosis is a condition that causes seizures, intellectual disabilities, and tumor growth in several organs.
Von Hippel-Lindau Disease: People with this genetic condition are more likely to get kidney cancer. This condition results in noncancerous tumors in your blood vessels, most commonly in your eyes and brain.

Do's and Don'ts

Consider these dos and don'ts when being treated for kidney cancer.

Do's	Don'ts
Eat a healthy diet, including fruits and vegetables.	Smoke cigarettes.
Watch your protein intake.	Consume excessive amounts of salt.
Monitor your phosphorus intake.	Allow uncontrolled diabetes and high blood pressure.
Maintain a healthy weight.	Consume alcohol.
Take precautions as advised by your doctor	Skip exercise.