The OSUCCC – James consistently paves the way to learning more about what causes kidney cancer — leading to even more highly targeted prevention, care and treatment. Kidney cancer is a complex disease with symptoms that may mirror other illnesses or diseases. In addition, while we don’t know what causes kidney cancer, there are some risk factors that may increase your risk of developing it.
Kidney cancer symptoms
At first, kidney cancer usually doesn’t cause any symptoms. Over time, kidney cancer may cause some symptoms. The symptoms are similar for the different kidney cancer types, including renal cell cancer and transitional cell cancer of renal pelvis and ureter.
If kidney cancer symptoms do occur, you may experience one or more of the following:
- Blood in the urine
- Side or back pain
- Mass in the abdomen
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue
- Fever that returns
- Lack of appetite
- Painful or frequent urination
Because you may have some of these symptoms, it doesn’t mean you have kidney cancer. If you have experienced any of the symptoms above for any period, you should check with your doctor to determine an exact cause.
What causes kidney cancer
The exact cause of kidney cancer is unknown. Researchers continue to understand the disease and the reasons why some people develop kidney cancer while others do not.
Kidney cancer risk factors
There are some risk factors that may increase your chances of getting kidney cancer.
A risk factor is anything that increases your chance of developing an illness, disease or cancer. While there are different types of kidney cancer, there are some common risk factors associated with all kidney cancers.
These risk factors include:
- Tobacco use, including cigarettes
- Overuse of specific pain medications for extended periods
- Being overweight or obese
- High blood pressure
- Family history of renal cancers and familial renal cancer syndromes
- Certain genetic conditions
- History of kidney stones or bladder cancer
- Exposure to specific environmental chemicals
While you may have some risk factors, it does not mean you will get kidney cancer. If you are at a higher risk of developing kidney cancer, it’s important to speak to your doctor about how to be screened.
If you’ve been diagnosed with kidney cancer, would like a second opinion or would like to speak with a kidney cancer specialist, please call The James Line at 800-293-5066 or 614-293-5066 to make an appointment.
More Related Resources
Kidney Cancer Diagnosis and Staging
Kidney Cancer Treatment
Kidney Cancer Treatment Team