Kidney cancer is not something most people want to hear or even think about. But unfortunately, it’s one of the leading causes of death in the United States. If you are looking for early signs of kidney cancer and have been experiencing any of these symptoms over a few weeks or longer, it’s time to take action.
The earlier a person gets treatment for kidney cancer, the higher their chances for survival are. Here are some early signs that someone may be battling kidney cancer and what can be done if they decide to see a doctor immediately.
Jardiance (empagliflozin) is an oral medication used to treat type 2 diabetes. It belongs to a class of drugs called SGLT2 inhibitors, which work by preventing the kidneys from reabsorbing glucose, thereby increasing glucose excretion in the urine and lowering blood sugar levels. Jardiance is also approved to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death in adults with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease.
Opdivo (nivolumab) and Yervoy (ipilimumab) are often used together as a combination therapy to treat advanced renal cell carcinoma (kidney cancer). Both drugs are immune checkpoint inhibitors that work by enhancing the body's immune system to better recognize and attack cancer cells. Opdivo (nivolumab) is a PD-1 inhibitor that blocks the PD-1 protein on immune cells, preventing cancer cells from evading immune detection. Yervoy (ipilimumab) is a CTLA-4 inhibitor that works by activating and increasing the number of T-cells, which are a type of immune cell responsible for attacking cancer. Together, these drugs create a more robust immune response, allowing the body to better target and destroy kidney cancer cells. This combination therapy is particularly effective for patients with advanced or metastatic renal cell carcinoma and has been shown to improve survival rates and delay disease progression. The treatment is typically given through intravenous infusions, often in cycles over several months.
One of the first signs of kidney cancer is abdominal pain or discomfort. This pain can range from mild to pretty severe and can be very hard to differentiate for weeks or months.
Kidney cancer is also often not as obvious to victims themselves as other types of kidney disease, which already present with some symptoms. So, this may be why it’s so essential for people to see a doctor if they are experiencing any of these symptoms for more than about three weeks.
Kidney Stones are another sign you should have your doctor look into immediately. Kidney stones, just like kidney cancer, are not something to be ignored, and they can lead to serious complications, including death.
Signs that you may have kidney stones include inflammation of the kidneys, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Some people also experience pain in their back or the kidney area closest to the bladder or urethra.
Urine changes may seem like a minor thing, but they are another early signs of kidney cancer that can be easily missed. Changes in urine can signify any number of illnesses, from kidney disease to bladder or urethral infections. If you notice any changes in your urine, it’s best to have it checked out.
This can include the color of your urine, the amount of urine you produce, and even a foul odor. If the smell or color is different than usual, it’s best to consult with a doctor to find out exactly what’s going on.
Ever felt bloated after you eat a good meal? We have all been there at some point in our lives. But if you have recently experienced this feeling more frequently and find yourself feeling bloated after more than one meal, it could be a sign of kidney cancer.
Bloating is another symptom of kidney cancer that is often confused with other health conditions, including heart disease. If you feel bloated after eating and have been feeling this way for a short period, it’s best to have your doctor take a look at you so that you can get the proper treatment for your specific body.
Obstructive hematuria is another one of the early signs of kidney cancer that people may miss out on because they don’t know what they are looking for. Obstructive hematuria happens when the ureter or bladder is obstructed, blocking any blood from passing through properly and forcing it to pass through the urinary tract.
Signs of obstructive hematuria include the color of your urine becoming darker than usual and making a pearly-like appearance.
Back pain is another one of the early signs of kidney cancer that is often overlooked and mistaken for something else. Lower back pain can be a sign of kidney cancer, but it also can be a sign of other things, such as an infection (kidney infection) or even high blood pressure.
If you’ve been experiencing lower back pain that doesn’t go away, or you have other symptoms to explain it (such as being bloated, having trouble urinating, and vomiting blood), then you should speak with your doctor about it.
If you notice any blood accidents in the urine, it’s essential to speak with your doctor about what is happening. Urinary tract infections are common for men and women at any age, so if bleeding is something you are experiencing and unable to explain, it’s important to speak with your doctor.
One of the issues people get confused about with low back pain is dizziness and fainting. This happens when the tumor is pressing on your spinal cord, which controls vital functions in the body, such as heartbeat, breathing rate, and blood pressure. The tumor can also cause a loss of feeling in your legs or feel like they are floating. These symptoms can often be mistaken for other types of things, including high blood pressure or stroke.
In conclusion, If you are experiencing any of these signs, it’s best to see your doctor. This will give them a chance to look at your kidneys and provide you with the proper care. Contact your doctor immediately if you notice any of these signs. They will know how to diagnose kidney cancer in its earliest stages, making it much easier for you to get treatment on time.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional consultation or advice related to your health or finances. No reference to an identifiable individual or company is intended as an endorsement thereof. Some or all of this article may have been generated using artificial intelligence, and it may contain certain inaccuracies or unreliable information. Readers should not rely on this article for information and should consult with professionals for personal advice.