Kidney Cancer
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in health." George William Curtis |
Kidney cancer occurs when cells in the kidneys rapidly reproduce without any checks, balances, or normal cell death. Usually, only one of the kidneys is affected by cancer. Both men and women can develop kidney cancer and the warning signs of the cancer are similar. While the symptoms are not exclusive to kidney cancer, it is important to seek medical attention if any warning signs are detected:
Blood in Urine
An obvious sign of something wrong with the kidney is blood in the urine. In many cases, the blood cells are not noticeable with the naked eye, but are detected with tests at a doctor’s office. Some individuals will notice blood in the urine and should seek immediate medical attention. Feeling a false sense of security due to the episodic manner of blood in the urine allows the cancer to continue growing, so it is important to mention the problem to a doctor. Whether it is cancer or another condition, blood in the urine is a bad sign. It usually relates to kidney or bladder cancer or other severe urinary health concerns, so a doctor will need to run tests to determine the exact cause.
Painful Urination
When using the bathroom is painful, it is a sign of several potential problems. Among the likely causes is kidney cancer. While painful urination is not exclusive to kidney cancer, it is one of the first symptoms that men and women notice when the cancer develops. Painful urination can be a sign of infections, cancer, or other conditions within the urinary tract, so it is important to seek medical attention.
Frequent Urination
Needing to use the restroom frequently is a sign of kidney cancer. While frequent urination can result from several other conditions, such as pregnancy or aging, it is also a sign of cancer. Even if the symptom stands alone, patients should discuss the problem with a doctor. Doctors can run tests to determine if blood is present in the urine, and whether other concerns suggest cancer.
Back or Pelvic Pain
In severe cases of kidney cancer, back or pelvic pain might develop. This is usually a sign of more advanced stages of the cancer or the formation of blood clots from the cancer.
Abdominal Mass
Kidney cancer can sometimes cause a mass in the abdomen. It may indicate an enlarged kidney, and may develop around the navel or center of the abdomen just below the ribcage region.
Edema
Kidney cancer is a serious condition that requires treatment. While the symptoms of cancer are not exclusive to the condition, any warning sign is cause for concern. In around half of cases there are no symptoms and the cancer is detected during tests for other unrelated conditions. Kidney cancer most frequently affects people over 50 years of age and is more common among men.
Read about cancer prevention in my Holistic Program to Prevent and Support Cancer