Kidney cancer or renal cell carcinoma (RCC), is among the top ten U.S. cancers for both men and women. The majority of patients diagnosed with renal cancer are 60-years old or older, and tumors are detected during a routine exam or when visiting the doctor with symptoms characteristic of this cancer.  Early detection and treatment is important to kidney cancer recovery.

Evident symptoms of kidney cancer rarely show until the advanced stages, however the following warning signs of renal cancer often present in the earlier stages:

1. Blood in urine
Blood in the urine, or hematuria, is common for a lot of other conditions apart from renal cancer (i.e., kidney stone, kidney infection, enlarged prostate, etc.). However, any amount of blood in the urine needs investigation immediately. It can come in any amount from so minute it’s only detected through urinalysis to a visual amount. This can also happen because of an infection or kidney stones.

2. Low back pain
Lower back pain on one side of the body is a common experience in later stage kidney cancer patients. In fact, it’s experienced by those suffering from renal cancer at a rate of 41%. The pain sensation can vary from person to person. It can manifest as an ache or as a sharp pain or something in-between. If you experience any symptoms like the ones described for more than a few days, then contact your doctor. Note any other symptoms so they can find out the cause.

3. Unexplained fatigue
The kidneys are located close to the adrenal glands and any disruption in their function by any condition (cancer or non cancer) is a cause for concern. Sometimes it’s a minor issue or a dietary problem, or maybe a medication is affecting the adrenals. Either way, tumors on the adrenal glands and throughout the renal area will cause a deep fatigue that may not have a reason. For example: If you have insomnia or sleep apnea, then tiredness would be logical. However, if you’re healthy and sleep well with no other elements mentioned here, get it checked out.

4. A mass on the side or low back
An abdominal lump that feels hard, dense or bulging may be a sign of a few things. It’s always good to get it checked out. Regardless of the cancer status, it’s not normal. over 40% of renal cancer sufferers will experience a lump. They may order scans and biopsy to determine the status, cause and treatment.

5. Loss of appetite and weight loss
Any form of unexplained weight loss is never a wise sign to ignore. Your body will always try to balance itself out when it’s collecting too much weight and losing weight at more than a normal rate when dieting. It’s always good to check it out and have a thorough physical. The kidneys can affect metabolism and a host of other elements in the body so rapid weight loss can be a sign of kidney cancer or other conditions.