Being told you have cancer is never easy to hear. The earlier you are diagnosed, however, the better. Paying attention to warning signs and being seen by a doctor right away can help you have a better chance of treatment working quickly and with fewer complications. Kidney cancer occurs when healthy cells in the kidneys grow out of control to form a tumor and is one of the most common cancers among both men and women. At PRINE Health, a medical group in Bellmore, our experienced nephrologists and primary care physicians are experts in kidney care. We can ensure you receive the best advice and care when it comes to your kidneys and can help you identify warning signs of kidney cancer to be certain that you get an accurate and early diagnosis so you can return to your optimal health as quickly as possible.
Symptoms Of Kidney Cancer:
Various symptoms can signal the possible presence of cancer in your kidneys. Here are some of the most common symptoms of kidney cancer that should lead you to alert a medical group in Bellmore:
- Anemia – Having a low red blood cell count is currently the most common presenting warning sign of kidney cancer. The kidneys produce a protein called erythropoietin which promotes red blood cell production. Production halts when there is cancer in the kidneys because erythropoietin also stops being produced. However, there are some cases where having a very high red blood cell count is a sign of kidney cancer because in some cases the tumor in the kidneys will start overproducing the erythropoietin.
- Blood in the urine (hematuria) – About half of those with kidney cancer had blood in their urine as a warning sign. The blood can sometimes be identified visually by the individual or the blood can be microscopic and has to be identified by a urinalysis. If you are finding blood in your urine, make sure to contact a medical group in Bellmore as soon as possible.
- Pain in the back, side, or abdomen – The pain can be sharp or dull and in all or only one of these areas.
- A mass on the back, side, or abdomen – Any kind of lump you notice in one of these areas can be a warning sign.
- Cachexia – A syndrome that consists of unintentional weight loss, loss of appetite, and loss of muscle mass. Any of these symptoms individually can also be a warning sign.
- Extreme fatigue – Finding yourself extremely exhausted and it getting progressively worse is a common sign of any cancer.
- Fever – The fever could be persistent or come and go but typically is more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
- High blood pressure – Since one of the functions of the kidneys is to produce hormones that regulate blood pressure, continuous high blood pressure can be a warning sign and further cause more kidney damage.
- Swelling in the feet or ankles – Similar to high blood pressure, the kidneys help regulate fluid balance in the body, and kidney cancer can affect the regulation and cause fluid build-up around the feet or ankles.
Signs Your Cancer Has Metastasized:
Over 30% of individuals who get diagnosed with kidney cancer have already experienced metastases meaning that cancer has spread to other parts of the body. If your cancer has spread, it is likely you will also experience these symptoms:
- Cough – This would typically be a persistent cough. Other symptoms usually present with coughing are chest pain, wheezing, or coughing up blood.
- Shortness of breath – Trouble breathing can start as being just when exercising and then progress to occurring regularly during daily activities.
- Bone pain – The pain is typically severe and not associated with any kind of injury.
How A Medical Group In Bellmore Can Help You:
If you are worried about your kidney health or are experiencing any of these symptoms, visit a medical group in Bellmore for help. The experienced nephrologists at PRINE Health are experts in kidney care and can help diagnose you with kidney cancer or any other kidney ailment as well as help you with any treatment required. Their goal is to always keep you accurately informed, ensure that you are properly taken care of, and help you be in the best of health possible. Contact us with any questions you may have and for more information on how we can help you.
