Renal cancer is also known as renal adenocarcinoma, hypernephroma, renal cell carcinoma (RCC), or simply, kidney cancer. The kidneys are ‘bean-shaped’ organs that play a fundamental role in regulating the fluid balance and getting rid of waste. Kidneys contain tiny tubes known as tubules, whose function is to help clean blood.

Renal cancer occurs when the cancerous cells begin to grow uncontrollably in the lining of the kidney tubules. Instances of RCC seem to be increasing due to the innovation in medical technology and increased diagnosis. In extreme cases, RCC spreads to other organs such as the lungs and the surrounding organs. Currently, the real cause of renal cancer is unknown. However, medical experts indicate that age, high blood pressure, family history, and obesity as the main risk factors. Early diagnosis of kidney cancer helps in treatment options such as the advanced renal cell cancer treatment option and the metastatic kidney cancer treatment. Signs and symptoms of renal cancer differ with the level of infection. However, the following are some early symptoms of the disorder:

1. Blood in urine
Hematuria (or blood in urine) is the most common early symptom of the disorder, affecting more than 50%, according to reports by the Kidney Cancer Association. In most cases, the amount of blood in urine is minimal and can only be diagnosed when you undergo dialysis. It is worth noting that even small quantities of blood in the urine are enough to change the urine color. Hematuria is also caused by kidney stones, bladder problems, kidney infections, and cysts. Nevertheless, it is important to seek medical care for early diagnosis.

2. Lower back pain
The Kidney Cancer Association indicates that 41% of patients report lower back pain as a common early symptom. However, the majority of patients experience back pain at the later stages of the condition. The pain ranges with the level and place of infection. Some patients experience a sharp stab on one side of the ribs, while others experience a dull ache on one side of the flank. Experts indicate that you seek medical attention when the pain persists for a few days.

3. Unexplained fatigue
Individuals suffering from any type of cancer indicate fatigue as an early symptom, especially during treatment. Unlike normal fatigue, cancer-related fatigue is consistent and interferes with your daily activities. Also, it becomes more persistent as the infection spreads.

4. A mass or lump on the side/lower back
About 45% of patients develop a lump on the side or lower back during the early stages of renal cancer. It feels like a hard bump on the lower abdomen.

Renal cancer develops due to the unstoppable growth of cancerous cells in the kidney
tubules. As a result, they pile up to form a mass (lump) known as tumors. In most cases, kidney lumps are hard to feel since they are stationed deep in the abdomen.

5. Unexplained weight loss
Some Kidney cancer patients report weight loss during the early stages of the disorder. This is followed by loss of appetite, especially when cancer spreads to other body parts. The sudden loss of appetite leads to a massive loss of weight.

Early diagnosis of kidney cancer helps manage the symptoms and prevents the growth of cancer to other organs. Thus, being aware of the highlighted early symptoms helps in the early diagnosis of the disorder.