Cancer that begins inside or in the tissues surrounding the kidneys is known as kidney or renal cell carcinoma. Although there are several contributing factors for the development of kidney cancer, such as high blood pressure, smoking, obesity, and a family history of kidney cancer, there are several telltale kidney cancer symptoms. Here are the earliest signs of kidney cancer to look for:

1. Blood in the urine
While this may seem to be an obvious sign that something isn’t quite right with your kidneys, blood tinged urine can mean different things. Blood in the urine (or hematuria) may appear pink, red, or even rust colored. Should you see a change in the color of your urine it’s best to let your doctor know right away.

2. Low back pain on one side
While low back pain is a common indicator of kidney stones, they may also be a clear indicator of a bigger problem. You may have this pain in your low back or your side. What could be causing this pain in your side or your low back?

3. A mass lump on the side or lower back
One of the early signs of kidney cancer could be a mass or lump on your side, back, and even near the abdomen. These masses are typically hard like a rock rather than soft and pliable. This can be a sign that there is a mass or lump growing on the kidney itself.

4. Unexplained fatigue
An overwhelming and unexplained chronic fatigue can be a sign of many underlying health conditions, including kidney cancer. Fatigue can be an indicator of many issues, but for those with other early signs of kidney cancer the fatigue is often an early indication of cancer development and strain on the organ.

5. Loss of appetite or weight loss
One of the first things to disappear when someone is ill is their appetite. Unexplained weight loss will often accompany this loss of hunger and could be a sign of underlying cancer. Everybody is designed to eat and to feel hunger. Those who are presenting early signs of kidney cancer may experience a loss of appetite or weight loss without trying.

It’s clear that there are several early signs of cancer of the kidneys. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms it’s vital that you talk to your doctor as soon as possible. Tell your doctor every symptom that you are experiencing, and be sure to be clear on how you are feeling.
Once your doctor can obtain blood work and order the proper tests, you’ll have some definitive answers. There is no one way to prevent kidney cancer. However, avoiding smoking, eating at as healthy as you can, and ensuring the proper amount of exercise can help to reduce your risk of illness.