Kidney cancer: What are the symptoms? Check the treatment approaches you should know

Many people may not know that kidney cancer is one of the cancers that is often discovered incidentally during health check-ups, because in the early stage it shows almost no signs at all. As a result, many patients do not know they have it until the disease has already progressed. Some symptoms of kidney cancer, such as blood in the urine, chronic back pain, or unusual fatigue, may be associated with symptoms of other diseases, making them difficult to notice. Knowing what kidney cancer symptoms are like is therefore something you should not overlook.

Although the exact causes of kidney cancer are still not clearly known, many risk factors increase the likelihood of developing kidney cancer. Being aware of the disease from the beginning is therefore a good protection, allowing you to detect it early and have the opportunity to receive timely treatment for kidney cancer.

Key Takeaways

• Kidney cancer is a tumor that occurs in the kidney, which can arise from many causes and has several types such as RCC, TCC, Sarcoma, etc.
• Symptoms of kidney cancer are often difficult to observe because they may be related to other diseases, such as blood in the urine, pain in the back or waist area, swelling in the body, fatigue, etc.
• Risk factors for kidney cancer include smoking, high blood pressure, obesity, genetics, and exposure to certain chemicals.
• There are several methods for treating kidney cancer, including surgery to remove the tumor or part or all of the kidney, medication such as chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy, and radiation therapy to reduce tumor size or control progression.

What is kidney cancer? Know before treatment

Kidney cancer (Kidney Cancer) is a condition caused by abnormal growth of cells within the kidney until forming an uncontrollable mass. If not examined or treated in time, these cells may spread to other organs. The kidney is an important organ responsible for filtering waste and regulating the body’s balance. Therefore, when abnormalities occur or develop into kidney cancer, it significantly affects overall health.

In many cases, patients may be found to have a tumor in the kidney or a kidney mass during health examinations for other reasons. These masses may be either benign or malignant and may develop into cancer cells. Understanding the basics of kidney cancer, its symptoms, causes, and treatment methods is therefore very important to help you know how to take better care of yourself.

How many types of kidney cancer are there? How are they classified?

Kidney cancer can be divided into several types, each with different cellular origins, resulting in different treatment approaches and prognoses. Knowing each type of kidney tumor or kidney cancer helps patients and their families understand the disease better.

Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC)

Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC) is the most common type of kidney cancer, accounting for approximately 85–90% of all patients. It originates from cells in the small tubules within the kidney that filter waste from the blood. The group most commonly found with Renal Cell Carcinoma is middle-aged to elderly individuals, especially those with risk factors such as smoking, obesity, or a family history of kidney cancer. Early detection often results in good treatment outcomes.

Transitional Cell Carcinoma (TCC)

This type of cancer arises from the lining cells in the renal pelvis and ureter, which connect the kidney to the bladder. Although less common than RCC, it is still a type that physicians must pay attention to. Generally, patients with TCC often have a history of smoking or long-term exposure to certain chemicals. A common symptom in patients with this type of kidney cancer is blood in the urine, which is similar to other urinary tract diseases, sometimes leading to delayed diagnosis.

Sarcoma of the kidney

Although very rare, kidney sarcoma is a severe type. It originates from connective tissue cells within the kidney or fat cells around the kidney, not from urine-filtering cells like RCC or TCC. This type of kidney cancer can progress and spread rapidly, requiring detailed diagnosis and possibly multiple treatment methods. However, rapid diagnosis and specialized treatment can increase the chance of disease control. Therefore, you should consult a doctor promptly if you suspect abnormalities related to the kidney or kidney cancer.

Check kidney cancer risk factors: What causes it?

Many people may ask what causes kidney cancer. In fact, the medical field still cannot clearly identify the exact cause. However, commonly found are risk factors that cause abnormal changes in kidney cells and eventually develop into a tumor in the kidney or become kidney cancer. Awareness of these factors serves as a warning sign to pay more attention to health.

• Smoking: Chemicals in cigarette smoke are a major factor that damages cellular DNA. When accumulated over time, it can increase the risk of kidney cancer up to twofold.
• Obesity and overweight: Excess fat causes insulin resistance and affects certain hormones related to cell growth, increasing the chance of developing a tumor in the kidney and raising the risk of kidney cancer.
• Hypertension: People with high blood pressure are more likely to develop kidney cancer than the general population and it may be related to the kidneys working harder than normal.
• Family history: If a direct relative has had kidney cancer, the risk increases.
• Gender and age: Statistics show that males are more likely to develop kidney cancer than females, and it is mostly found in the age group of 50–70 years.
• Exposure to hazardous chemicals such as asbestos, heavy metals, or certain industrial substances. Long-term continuous exposure can increase the chance of developing kidney tumors.
• Previous kidney diseases or conditions, for example, patients with chronic kidney failure who have undergone long-term dialysis, regular peritoneal dialysis, or have polycystic kidney disease, have a higher risk of kidney cancer than the general population due to kidney damage and long-term cellular changes.

What are the symptoms of kidney cancer? Warning signs that should not be overlooked

Kidney cancer often does not show clear symptoms in the early stage, causing many people to be diagnosed when the disease has already progressed. Recognizing kidney cancer symptoms and abnormal signs in the body is therefore important to help you seek examination and treatment promptly.

• Blood in the urine: This is one of the early symptoms of kidney cancer that many people encounter, but sometimes the blood may be minimal and not noticeable.
• Pain in the side or back: A dull pain that does not go away may indicate kidney abnormalities.
• A lump or hard mass in the side of the abdomen: If a mass can be felt, it may be a kidney tumor and should be further examined.
• Fatigue, easy tiredness, unexplained weight loss: Often found in patients whose kidney cancer has started to progress.
• Intermittent fever without a known cause and not due to common infection.
• Pale appearance or anemia due to abnormal production of hormones related to red blood cells by the kidney.
• Abnormally high blood pressure caused by increasingly impaired kidney function, which may risk acute or chronic kidney failure.
• Swelling in the body, especially in the legs and ankles, due to poor waste filtration.

As the disease continues to progress, symptoms of advanced-stage kidney cancer become more apparent. Patients may experience severe weight loss, extreme weakness, bone pain, or neurological symptoms if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. There is a risk of metastasis to other organs and progression to metastatic cancer in organs such as the liver, bones, resulting in lung tumors, or even brain tumors in the future.

How is kidney cancer diagnosed? Early detection leads to faster treatment

Detecting kidney cancer in the early stage is important because the earlier it is found, the more effective treatment planning and disease control will be. Currently, there are several methods for diagnosing kidney cancer, and physicians will choose according to the suitability of each patient, as follows:

• Medical history taking and physical examination: The physician will ask about symptoms such as blood in the urine, flank pain, weight loss, or family history related to kidney cancer, before performing a physical examination to detect abnormalities such as abdominal masses.
• Urine and blood tests: To assess kidney function and look for signs indicating kidney cancer, such as blood in the urine or abnormal kidney function values.
• Medical imaging: Such as ultrasound, computed tomography (CT Scan), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to determine the size of the kidney tumor and whether it has spread.
• Biopsy: In some cases, the physician may collect a tissue sample from the kidney mass for microscopic examination to confirm whether it is kidney cancer or another type of kidney tumor.
• Additional tests for metastasis: Such as chest X-ray, bone scan, or PET Scan if there is suspicion that the cancer has spread to other organs.

What are the stages of kidney cancer?

After a diagnosis of kidney cancer, physicians will assess the stage of the disease to determine the appropriate treatment approach. Staging helps understand the severity of the disease, how far the tumor or kidney mass has spread, and whether it has metastasized to other organs. Generally, kidney cancer is divided into 4 main stages as follows:

• Stage 1: The tumor is no larger than 7 centimeters and is confined within the kidney. The chance of complete cure is relatively high if detected at this stage.
• Stage 2: The tumor is larger than 7 centimeters but still confined within the kidney and has not spread to nearby organs.
• Stage 3: The cancer has started to spread to nearby lymph nodes or into major blood vessels near the kidney, such as the large vein, making treatment more complex.
• Stage 4: Kidney cancer has spread to other organs such as the lungs, liver, or bones. This stage usually has severe symptoms, and treatment focuses mainly on disease control and symptom relief.

What are the treatments for kidney cancer?

Treatment for kidney cancer or kidney tumors varies depending on the stage of the disease, overall health, and suitability of each patient. There are both treatments aimed at eliminating cancer cells from the source and methods used to control disease growth to prolong life and quality of life.

Surgical removal of kidney cancer

Surgery is the main treatment method for kidney cancer, especially in cases where the disease has not spread to other organs. The objective is to directly remove the tumor from the kidney. There are two main types:

• Partial nephrectomy: Removes only the tumor and surrounding tissue while preserving the remaining kidney. Suitable for small tumors or those in operable locations.
• Radical nephrectomy: Removes the entire kidney, including the adrenal gland and surrounding tissues if necessary. Suitable for patients with large or invasive tumors or those with other complications such as adrenal cancer or renal pelvis cancer. Symptoms differ and consultation with a physician is required for proper surgical planning.

Medication for kidney cancer treatment

Drug therapy is suitable for patients whose kidney cancer has spread or cannot undergo surgery. There are several groups of drugs:

• Chemotherapy: Although not the main method for kidney cancer, in some cases physicians may consider using it in combination with other treatments to control the disease.
• Targeted therapy: Acts by inhibiting the growth of blood vessels that supply the tumor, helping to slow progression.
• Immunotherapy: Stimulates the body’s immune system to act against cancer cells.

Radiation therapy to eliminate kidney cancer cells

Radiation therapy is not used to directly treat kidney cancer but plays an important role in relieving symptoms in patients whose cancer has spread to other organs such as bones or the brain. It helps reduce pain, control bleeding, or prevent dysfunction of affected organs.

Can kidney cancer be prevented? Know for better quality of life

Although kidney cancer or kidney tumors cannot be prevented 100% due to many uncontrollable factors such as genetics, age, or gender, the risk can be reduced through lifestyle modification and proper health care. Methods that help reduce the chance of kidney cancer include:

• Avoid smoking because smoking significantly increases the risk of kidney cancer.
• Maintain a healthy weight, as obesity is another risk factor associated with kidney cancer.
• Exercise regularly to strengthen the immune system and regulate hormone levels.
• Eat a healthy diet, focusing on vegetables, fruits, and grains, and reducing high-fat and processed foods.
• Control blood pressure, as people with chronic hypertension are at higher risk of kidney cancer than the general population.
• Have regular health check-ups, as early detection of kidney abnormalities allows timely treatment planning.

Kidney cancer can be treated at Praram 9 Hospital

Kidney cancer is a disease that, if detected early and properly managed from the beginning, can significantly increase treatment success and the patient’s quality of life. Paying attention to warning signs of abnormal kidney cancer symptoms and receiving diagnosis by a specialist physician is important, because kidney cancer may not show clear symptoms in the early stage but becomes more evident as it progresses, which may be more dangerous.

At the Kidney Institute, Praram 9 Hospital, we have a team of specialist physicians and modern diagnostic equipment, covering screening, diagnosis, and personalized treatment planning, along with comprehensive medical technology. If you or someone close to you is facing concerns about kidney cancer, you can seek consultation to receive appropriate guidance and return to a good quality of life again.

For more information

• Facebook: Praram 9 Hospital International & Expats
• Line: @Praram9Hospital
• Tel. 1270

Frequently asked questions about kidney cancer

1. Can kidney cancer be cured?

Kidney cancer can be curable, especially when detected at an early stage and treated appropriately. Treatment can effectively eliminate cancer cells or slow progression. However, treatment outcomes depend on the stage of the disease, size and location of the tumor, the patient’s general health, and continuous follow-up after treatment.

2. What complications can kidney cancer cause?

Patients with kidney cancer may experience various complications, such as metastasis to other organs like the lungs, bones, or liver, kidney failure, abnormal bleeding or blood in the urine, as well as complications from treatment such as side effects from chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or radiation therapy.

However, regular follow-up and consultation with a physician can reduce the risk of complications and improve treatment outcomes.

References

Mayo Clinic Staff. (2024, August 17).Kidney Cancer. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/kidney-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20352664

Kidney Cancer. (2022, June 6). Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9409-kidney-cancer-overview

Kidney Cancer Inherited Risk. (n.d.). Fox Chase Cancer Center Temple Health. https://www.foxchase.org/cancer-care-services/prevention-screening/risk-assessment/inherited-cancer/kidney-cancer-inherited

Kidney Cancer Basics. (2025, June 10). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/kidney-cancer/about/index.html