Connection between Back Pain and Kidney Cancer: Causes, Symptoms, and Identification Methods
In the realm of health, understanding the signs and symptoms of a potentially serious condition like kidney cancer is crucial. Here's a breakdown of what you need to know.
Kidney cancer can manifest in various ways, some of the common symptoms being blood in urine (hematuria), persistent pain in the back or side, frequent tiredness or fatigue, persistent fever, loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss, a feeling of something blocking the bowels, and a general feeling of discomfort or being unwell.
One of the key indicators of advanced kidney cancer is the presence of blood in the urine, which is the most common sign in these stages [1][2][3]. Other symptoms that may arise include a palpable mass or lump in the abdominal or flank area, swelling in the legs and ankles due to fluid retention, anemia leading to fatigue and weakness, and unintentional weight loss and loss of appetite.
In some cases, high blood pressure and night sweats may also be observed, although these are less common [1][2]. If the cancer progresses to metastasize, or spread to other organs, symptoms such as bone pain, persistent cough or coughing up blood, and shortness of breath may occur [2][4].
It's important to note that a person is unlikely to feel a lump at their side or back due to a kidney tumor. Other conditions, such as bladder infections, urinary tract infections, or kidney stones, can also cause some of these symptoms.
Diagnosing kidney cancer is not straightforward, as there are no specific tests to find kidney tumors. However, doctors may carry out a range of tests to check kidney health and diagnose a kidney condition. This can include a medical history and physical examination, basic or complete metabolic panel, complete blood count, urine test, kidney function tests, and ultrasound [6].
In some instances, abnormal growths in the kidneys may be discovered by chance during a routine screening or health check. If a person experiences persistent back pain, particularly on one side, between the ribs and hips, it's advisable to consult a healthcare professional for a thorough examination.
Remember, this article is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider for any health-related questions or concerns.
References:
[1] National Cancer Institute. (2021). Kidney Cancer Treatment (PDQ®)–Patient Version. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.gov/types/kidney/patient/kidney-treatment-pdq
[2] American Cancer Society. (2021). Kidney Cancer. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/kidney-cancer.html
[3] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Kidney cancer. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/kidney-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20355735
[4] American Society of Clinical Oncology. (2020). Kidney Cancer. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/kidney-cancer/symptoms-and-signs
[5] Cleveland Clinic. (2021). Kidney Cancer. Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16773-kidney-cancer
[6] National Health Service. (2021). Kidney cancer: Symptoms. Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/kidney-cancer/symptoms/
- Persistent back or side pain, blood in urine, frequent tiredness, persistent fever, loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss, a feeling of something blocking the bowels, and a general feeling of discomfort can be potential signs and symptoms of kidney cancer, a serious medical condition.
- Other indicators of advanced kidney cancer may include a palpable mass or lump in the abdominal or flank area, swelling in the legs and ankles, anemia leading to fatigue, and unintentional weight loss and loss of appetite.
- In less common cases, high blood pressure and night sweats may also be observed, but these aren't specific to kidney cancer and can be caused by other medical conditions.
- If a person experiences persistent back pain, particularly on one side between the ribs and hips, it's advisable to consult a healthcare professional for a thorough examination, as this could potentially indicate kidney cancer or other kidney-related medical conditions.
