3 Early Symptoms of Renal Cell Carcinoma (Kidney Cancer)

Recognizing the early signs of cancer can be lifesaving. By spotting symptoms early, people can get a diagnosis and start treatment when cancer is still in its early stages and easier to treat. 

You’re probably already familiar with symptoms of common cancers like skin, breast, and colon cancer. If you notice a worrisome mole, a lump in your breast or blood in your poop, you know it’s time to see a healthcare provider. 

But some cancers are much harder to spot, like renal cell carcinoma. Renal cell carcinoma is the most common type of kidney cancer. Let’s take a look at the symptoms of kidney cancer. 

What are the symptoms of early renal cell carcinoma?

Most people with renal cell carcinoma don’t experience any symptoms.

The kidneys are tucked away in the back of the abdomen, on either side of the spine. That means there’s space for tumors to grow without people noticing any changes. In fact, many people only find they have renal cell carcinoma by accident. For example, after getting a CT scan or ultrasound for another reason, they discover the images showed a tumor inside the kidney.

As the cancer continues to grow or even spread to nearby structures, people sometimes develop several symptoms.

1. Blood in the urine (hematuria)

Hematuria, or blood in the urine, can be a sign of kidney, ureter, or bladder cancer. Some people can actually see the blood when they go to the bathroom. Their urine may look red or brown instead of yellow or clear. 

Other times, there’s only a small amount of blood in the urine. People aren’t able to see it with their eyes but the blood can be seen with a microscope. Or it can be picked up when someone needs a routine urine test (urinalysis). This is called microscopic hematuria. 

If you have blood in your urine, even if it’s microscopic, you should see a urologist. Urologists can do specialized tests to see why you’re having blood in your urine.

2. Back pain

As kidney cancer grows, it can start to push against the back muscles and spine. People may start to notice sharp back pain that doesn’t go away. The kidneys are next to the spine, so people usually feel the pain along one side of the back. 

As the cancer spreads, it can irritate the nerves inside the abdomen. People may start feeling an aching pain in their abdomen, too. If the tumor is large enough, people may feel a lump or bump on the side of their back or in their abdomen.

3. Leg swelling

Leg swelling can be a sign of kidney cancer. There are many ways that kidney cancer can block blood flow and fluid movement in the lower half of the body. This can cause fluid to build up in the legs and in the scrotum (varicocele). 

Are kidney cancer symptoms different between women and men?

Except for scrotal swelling, symptoms of kidney cancer are usually the same in men and women. But males are more likely to develop kidney cancer. 

Symptoms of advanced renal cell carcinoma are also the same in both sexes.

As kidney cancer grows unchecked, it can spread to other parts of the body. This is called advanced kidney cancer. 

People with advanced kidney cancer may have symptoms like:

• Unexpected weight loss

• Fatigue 

• Lymph node swelling

• Night sweats

• Fever

• Bone pain

What other medical conditions can cause these symptoms?

One of the reasons it’s hard to find kidney cancer early is that it doesn’t usually cause any symptoms. But another reason is that the symptoms of kidney cancer aren’t specific to kidney cancer. That means many other medical conditions also cause the same symptoms. 

For example, kidney cancer isn’t the only thing that causes hematuria. A lot of other medical conditions can also cause blood in the urine. Kidney stones and urinary tract infections (UTIs) can also cause hematuria, and they’re both much more common than renal cell carcinoma.  

And a lot of things can cause back and stomach pain. Including mild injuries like pulled muscles and regular body processes like menstruation.

What should you do if you’re having symptoms of kidney cancer?

If you’re experiencing kidney cancer symptoms, don’t panic. Keep in mind that kidney cancer isn’t a common type of cancer. Your symptoms may be from something else. 

But it’s still a good idea to see a healthcare provider if you’re having any of these symptoms to make sure they’re not from kidney cancer. Don’t wait to see a healthcare provider about your symptoms, especially in the following situations.

You have symptoms of kidney cancer or your symptoms are getting worse

If you only have one symptom of kidney cancer, it could be explained by something else. But if you’re having many (or all) the symptoms of kidney cancer, it’s more concerning and you should talk with a healthcare provider right away. 

Also take note of whether the symptoms come and go and whether they’re getting worse. Cancer symptoms tend to get more persistent over time. If your symptoms are getting worse, see a healthcare provider as soon as possible.

You’re at higher risk for developing kidney cancer

Some people are at higher risk for developing renal cell carcinoma. This includes people who:

• Smoke cigarettes or smoked cigarettes in the past

• Have a history of secondhand smoke exposure

• Are often exposed to environmental smoke, diesel fumes, and other exhaust at work or home

• Have chronic kidney disease

• Have certain genetic conditions 

• Have family members who also had renal cell carcinoma

If you’re at higher risk for developing kidney cancer and you have any symptoms of kidney cancer, you should talk with a healthcare provider as soon as possible.  

Your healthcare provider may order blood and urine tests to help measure your kidney function and rule out other medical conditions. And you may need imaging of the kidneys with an ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI. 

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Written by:

Christine Giordano, MD

Christine Giordano, MD, is board-certified in general internal medicine. She received her medical degree from Rutgers New Jersey Medical School and completed residency at Thomas Jefferson University.

Edited by:

Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH

Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH, is a medical editor at GoodRx. She is a licensed, board-certified pediatrician with more than a decade of experience in academic medicine.

Reviewed by:

Andrew J. Armstrong, MD, ScM

Andrew J. Armstrong, MD, ScM, is a tenured professor of medicine, surgery, pharmacology, and cancer biology and director of research for Duke Cancer Institute’s Center for Prostate and Urologic Cancers.

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