Symptoms of Kidney Cancer You Shouldn't Ignore

Kidney cancer, though often silent in its early stages, can present with subtle but significant signs. Our board-certified urologist Dr. James Stocks is dedicated to diagnosing and treating kidney cancer early at Urology Specialists of Cypress in Cypress, Texas. 

We help Cypress, Katy, Tomball, and Jersey Village patients take control of kidney cancer through advanced technology, high-level expertise, and innovative approaches.  

Being aware of kidney cancer symptoms is critical for early detection. Here, we explain some of the symptoms to pay attention to.

Kidney cancer symptoms to watch for

Kidney cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in your kidneys. Unfortunately, it can be a silent disease in the early stages. At least half of people with renal cell carcinoma (by far the most common kind of kidney cancer) don't have obvious symptoms early on. That's one reason why it's so crucial to watch for possible symptoms, such as:

• Blood in your urine (even a small amount)
• Nagging back or side pain that's not related to an injury
• Increased fatigue with no clear-cut reason
• Losing weight without any significant diet or exercise changes
• Fever without a known cause

Signs like a frequent cough or bone pain could indicate metastatic kidney cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.

While the exact cause isn’t always clear, some factors can increase your risk, like smoking, high blood pressure, obesity, and a family history of the disease. So, if any of those factors apply to you, it's particularly crucial to be aware of the symptoms discussed above.

Could my symptoms be something else?

These symptoms aren't always kidney cancer, so it's important to stay calm and get help. Kidney stones and urinary tract infections (UTIs) can both cause blood in your urine, for example. These conditions are highly treatable — as is kidney cancer if caught in the early stages. But, you won't know the diagnosis or level of concern without an evaluation in our office.  

Dr. Stocks utilizes advanced diagnostic tools to assess potential kidney cancer, including imaging studies such as CT scans and MRIs, as well as blood and urine tests. With a personalized approach to treatment, Dr. Stocks is dedicated to delivering the highest quality care and achieving the best possible outcome for your condition.

Taking the next step

If you’re experiencing symptoms of kidney cancer or are concerned about your risk, call our friendly office staff to book an appointment at Urology Specialists of Cypress or schedule an appointment online.