Signs and symptoms of kidney cancer

Kidney cancer is one of the dangerous diseases. (Illustration: Internet)

What is kidney cancer?

Kidney cancer is the malignant growth of cells, forming a tumor in the kidney. It's also important to note that not all kidney tumors are malignant. Some may be benign and non-cancerous.

Kidney cancer is a general term. There are many variations of malignant tumors in the kidney and stages of the disease. Treatment depends on the characteristics of the tumor and professional expertise.

Functions of the kidneys

The kidneys are bean-shaped organs located on either side of the back of the abdomen, whose function is to filter blood and produce urine. The kidneys are also important for other processes in the body, including regulating blood pressure, balancing water and electrolytes, producing blood cells, and keeping your bones healthy.

Causes of kidney cancer

The causes of kidney cancer are often difficult to determine. Common risk factors include smoking and obesity.

Having a close relative with kidney cancer or hypertension is also a potential risk factor.

Signs and symptoms of kidney cancer

In its early stages, kidney cancer often develops silently, with few outward symptoms, making it difficult to detect.

Therefore, in many cases, the disease is only diagnosed when it has progressed to a severe stage. However, there are still some early warning signs that you should be aware of so that you can seek timely medical attention, such as:

Bloody urine: This is the most common symptom. The urine may be light pink or dark red, appearing intermittently and then disappearing, which can easily lead patients to overlook it.

Lower back pain: A dull, persistent pain, usually occurring on one side of the lower back (the side with the kidney tumor), unrelated to movement.

A palpable mass in the abdomen or back: In some cases, patients may feel an unusual, hard lump in the abdominal or flank area.

Unusual weight loss: Rapid weight loss unrelated to changes in diet or exercise can be an early warning sign of cancer.

Persistent fatigue: Frequent lethargy and weakness, accompanied by symptoms such as loss of appetite, nausea, or a prolonged mild fever, are also signs that require attention.

High blood pressure or anemia: Kidney cancer can disrupt hormone production in the kidneys, affecting blood pressure and red blood cell count.

These symptoms can be mistaken for common kidney diseases. Therefore, when experiencing unusual symptoms, patients should seek examination at specialized medical facilities and undergo necessary tests for early detection and timely treatment.

TRUC LY (TH)

Source: https://www.baobaclieu.vn/y-te-suc-khoe/nhung-dau-hieu-nhan-biet-ung-thu-than-101194.html