Kidney Cancer Symptoms

Kidney cancer, like leukemia, may not present any symptoms or warning signs in the early stages of the disease. If one or more of these symptoms of kidney cancer listed below is present, patients should immediately consult with their doctor to determine if further testing is needed.

Bloody urine

Patients in a more advanced stage of kidney cancer may display hematuria -- blood in the urine. Urine may range in color from a dark yellow streaked with light pink to a dark brownish-red that resembles the color of cola.

Lower back pain

Those with advancing kidney cancer may suffer from persistent lower back pain -- most often located directly under the ribs. The lower back may feel continually tender or swollen with no obvious, underlying cause.

Fatigue or weakness

Kidney cancer patients may present with general symptoms of weakness, malaise, or fatigue. Fatigue and weakness are common kidney cancer symptoms, and many are diagnosed while patients are being screened for other diseases or blood disorders that share this same symptom.

Low-grade fevers that come and go repeatedly

A low-grade, consistent fever or a fever that presents frequently but without cause may be a sign that the patient's body is attempting to fight off further organ illness or infection.

It is important to note that patients may present with any or all of these symptoms and still may not be diagnosed with kidney cancer. Concern over any persistent or worrying kidney cancer symptoms should always be discussed with a patient's primary care physician.