Kidney Cancer: Signs You Might Have Missed

Did you know you can live with only one kidney? It’s true, but that doesn’t make your kidneys any less important. Actually, these two bean-shaped organs in your lower back have a tremendous job — filtering waste from your blood, controlling fluid balance and regulating electrolytes in your body.

Even though you can manage without one, a kidney with a tumor is a completely different story. Unfortunately, recognizing the signs of kidney cancer can be tricky, so you’ll need to know what you’re looking for.

When you think of common cancers, you probably don’t instantly think about your kidneys. The American Cancer Society says  that kidney cancer is, in fact, one of the top-10 most common cancers in both men and women. This year, nearly 64,000 new cases will be diagnosed.

Common signs. Because your kidneys are located deep within your lower back, signs don’t always present themselves right away. Small, subtle changes could signify a dangerous tumor. If you have kidney cancer, you may notice one or more of these common signs.

1.) Changing colors. One obvious sign of a kidney problem is blood in the urine. However, seeing red isn’t the only color change that could happen.

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Sometimes, if the tumor is not as advanced, you may only notice your urine darkening in color, and you might not think anything of it. Instead, take note of any changes in your urination, especially if you know you’re drinking enough fluids.

2.) Less energy/weight loss. Anywhere that cancer is involved, you will usually notice a change in your energy. Fatigue makes sense in these cases because your body isn’t working at an optimal level.

Many times, the cancer is also causing nutritional deficiencies that keep you drained all the time. These deficiencies lead to unintentional weight loss as well.

If you have had a noticeable shift in your energy lately, you’re getting tired during small activities, or you’re tired no matter how much rest you get, tell your doctor about your fatigue.

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3.) Lower back pain. As the tumor grows, you may find yourself dealing with lower back pain. This pain can be chronic and aching, or it may come and go as a shooting pain. Either way, most people don’t feel lower back pain until the cancer has advanced considerably.

4.) Anemia. Another important function of your kidneys is signaling the body to make more red blood cells. If your kidneys aren’t functioning properly, the problem can lead directly to anemia. You may notice worsening fatigue, a general weak feeling, dizziness, rapid heartbeat — or difficulty concentrating.

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5.) Chronic fever. As your body deals with nutritional deficiencies and fights off cancer, you may notice an intermittent fever. The fever won’t be related to a cold or any other known infection. This symptom does indicate a general inflammation in your body, an ideal breeding ground for cancer.

Discovering the problem. Since many people don’t always have or notice symptoms, doctors often discover a problem during routine procedures or while imaging for another health issue. If your doctor suspects kidney cancer, you can expect to go through several tests to confirm.

First, you’ll likely need several blood tests. Although your doctor won’t be able to tell if you have a tumor, the blood tests will reveal important signs like anemia or kidney failure. The tests will also give him an idea of your general well-being in case of surgery.

In most cases, you’ll require some form of surgery to at least remove the tumor.

Next, you will need imaging tests to give your doctor a clear picture of the tumor’s location, size and stage. While many imaging tests can prove useful, your doctor will likely use a CT scan or an MRI. The CT scan gives the most detailed picture of all, but he may opt for an MRI if the cancer has spread to major blood vessels.

Last, your doctor may issue a biopsy or further X-rays and imaging if the cancer has spread to other areas. Otherwise, you won’t usually need a biopsy for the kidney cancer itself. CT scans and MRIs will give your doctor the needed information for treatment.

After diagnosis. Once your doctor confirms a diagnosis, you’ll need to discuss your treatment. In most cases, you will require some form of surgery to at least remove the tumor.

Depending on the size and location, you may need part or all of your kidney removed. Your doctor may still recommend surgery even if the cancer has spread because it may ease symptoms.

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Sometimes, your doctor may decide to watch the tumor for a few months, especially if the tumor is small. Small tumors can turn out to be benign growths on the kidney, and your doctor may not want to put you through treatment if it isn’t needed. This option is usually used for older or already weakened patients.

Last, you may opt for several alternative therapies such as cryotherapy or radiofrequency ablation, which use extreme heat or cold to kill the tumor.

In the past, doctors have also used immunotherapy to boost the body’s immune system. However, this method often comes with serious side effects. As with most cancers, you may also need a combination of chemotherapy and radiation to kill cancer cells.

Because symptoms are not always obvious, kidney cancer can prove tricky to diagnose in its early stages. The most important thing is that you tell your doctor if you notice any abrupt changes in urinary habits, weight or energy level right away.

Dr. Manny Alvarez serves as Fox News Channel’s senior managing health editor. He also serves as chairman of the department of obstetrics/gynecology and reproductive science at Hackensack University Medical Center in New Jersey. This Fox News piece is used by permission; it also appeared in AskDrManny.com. 

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