Kidney cancer is an affliction that occurs when certain cells in the kidney turn cancerous and clump into a tumour. This tumour continues to produce malignant cells that spread throughout the body, although most kidney cancer symptoms are detectable enough to catch before they enter this phase. Each person has two kidneys which are located in the lower abdomen, flanking the spine. They’re a vital organ that performs the task of filtering waste from blood.

Here are some early warning signs of renal cancer:

1. A lump on the abdomen or side

As the tumour grows within the kidney, it will form a mass that can be detected by a medical professional. It may be difficult for the patient to feel the lump, since it is nestled deep in the body. Some people may also feel lower back pain as a result of swelling. The only way to know for sure if a lump is causing issues, or is cancerous, is to have it checked by a doctor.

2. Weight loss

Speedy weight loss is a sign of many cancers, as well as other diseases, but is also a common sign of kidney cancer. The effects of the cancer on the body will reduce hunger and slow down digestive processes. Coupled with the issue of fatigue and low red blood cell count, this can make it difficult to keep on weight and get the right nutrition.

3. Hematuria

Blood in urine is a symptom that nearly half of all kidney cancer sufferers experience. The kidney tumour will often harm the kidney and cause bleeding. Because so much blood passes through these organs, it means that any sort of breakage within the tiny tubes that line the kidney will cause blood to enter the bladder.

4. Unknown fever

A fever that has no understandable cause may be a result of the body trying to defend itself from the cancer. Fevers are used to kill off invading pathogens by raising body temperature to the point that interloping organisms cannot survive. Unfortunately, the fever is not effective against cancer cells and causes an endless cycle within the body’s immune system. The tumours are unaffected by the fever, but the brain will still detect the sickness and continue a recurring fever.

5. Fatigue

Another job that the kidneys have is to produce red blood cells. These are important cells that carry oxygen throughout the body. When the kidneys are unable to produce enough red blood cells to keep the body oxygenated, due to the effects of cancer, then the ill person will feel tired all the time. More than just a lack of energy, this fatigue can be a serious hindrance in life. Sometimes, people don’t detect this problem because they aren’t sure if they’re just exhausted from their normal life; however, ongoing fatigue is likely a result of some sort of anaemia.

6. Swelling at the ankle and leg

When fluid doesn’t move throughout the body the way it should, it sometimes gets trapped in the legs or ankles. Swelling from kidney cancer is likely caused by a malfunction in the salt levels of the blood, causing water to build up in surrounding tissues. This symptom can be combated with a number of techniques, however, it should be paid attention to for it is indicative of a more serious problem within the body.