The kidneys are highly specialized organs, which contain a number of advanced cell types that work together to filter the blood. Disruption of kidney functioning can occur as a result of kidney cancer, or other kidney disease. There are a number of types of kidney cancer which affect both children and adults, and which originate from different cells within the kidney. Kidney cancer is accompanied by a number of symptoms that indicate a problem with kidney function.
Lump on the Kidneys
A very common symptom of kidney cancer is the growth of a lump on the kidney. According to CancerHelp, many kidney cancers are too small to feel when they first begin growing, but eventually develop into a palpable mass. As cancer cells divide uncontrollably, they form a large mass that leads to an increase in the size of the kidney, and the mass can be felt as a lump.
Patients with kidney cancer may be able to feel a lump in their abdomen, or a small lump in their backs. They may also see a protrusion in the skin corresponding to a mass on the kidney. A lump on the kidney requires immediate medical supervision to test for the possibility of cancer.
Hydronephrosis
Hydronephrosis is a sign of improper kidney functioning, and may indicate the presence of kidney cancer. Under normal conditions, the kidneys empty urine into the bladder through tubes called the ureters, and once the bladder is full the urine is excreted via the urethra. When hydronephrosis occurs, the ureters close to the kidney become blocked and begin to dilate and enlarge, developing a collection of urine that does not empty into the bladder. Kidney cancer can cause hydronephrosis if the tumor blocks the flow of urine from the kidney into the bladder.
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, a common treatment for hydronephrosis is surgery to insert a shunt into the ureter and restore the flow of urine. Hydronephrosis caused by kidney cancer may be treated by removal of the tumor blocking the urine flow.
Hematuria
Hematuria is the presence of blood cells in the urine. Kidney cancer causes the breakdown of the blood filtering system, allowing the blood to leak into the urine. Hematuria can be identified by red or rust-colored blood in the urine, although some forms of hematuria are less severe, so the blood cannot be seen with the naked eye.
According to the University of Cincinnati, hematuria is the most common symptom of kidney cancer. However, hematuria alone is not sufficient to diagnose kidney cancer, as it may be caused by a number of conditions. Imaging and biopsy testing are also necessary to accurately confirm the presence of kidney cancer.
About this Author
Louise Tremblay recently finished an M.Sc. in molecular and cellular biology in Ontario, Canada, with years of cancer research experience. She has experience writing articles and Web content on science, heath and fitness, diet and personal wellness.
