Cancer Symptoms Symptoms of Renal Cell Carcinoma By Lauren Evoy Davis Published on October 06, 2021 Medically reviewed Verywell Health articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and healthcare professionals. These medical reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Doru Paul, MD Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD Doru Paul, MD, is triple board-certified in medical oncology, hematology, and internal medicine. He is an associate professor of clinical medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College and attending physician in the Department of Hematology and Oncology at the New York Presbyterian Weill Cornell Medical Center. Learn about our Medical Expert Board Print Table of Contents View All Table of Contents Frequent Symptoms Rare Symptoms Complications When to See a Doctor Renal cell carcinoma is the most common form of kidney cancer. The kidneys are a pair of bean-shaped organs about the size of a fist that remove waste from the body through urine. They also filter blood and help regulate hormones. Cancerous tumors can grow in the kidneys, and symptoms like pain, fatigue, blood in the urine, and iron deficiency can occur. This article will explore the signs, symptoms, and complications of renal cell carcinoma. Peter Dazeley / Getty Images Frequent Symptoms Unfortunately, there may be no symptoms in the early stages of renal cell carcinoma. Tumors can grow without causing pain, and because they grow so deep inside the body, they may not be felt or seen during a regular exam. Symptoms tend to appear only when the tumor grows significantly or metastasizes (spreads). Some of the most common symptoms include: Lower back pain Fatigue Anemia Blood in the urine Fever Abdominal mass or lump Weight loss or loss of appetite Delayed Diagnosis More than 50% of patients with renal cell carcinoma don't experience early symptoms and are only diagnosed incidentally during tests or imaging for other conditions. Rare Symptoms There are a few unusual and rare symptoms that some people with renal cell carcinoma will experience, including: Enlargement of a testicle or the veins of the scrotum (varicocele) in boys and menVision problemsIncreased blood pressure Some of the these can be common symptoms of other conditions as well, so be clear and thorough when discussing your symptoms with a healthcare provider. Complications Certain complications of renal cell carcinoma can occur. The prognosis is better the earlier it is diagnosed to avoid further spread. The most serious complications include: Kidney failure, which can be fatal if not treated with dialysis (a treatment to remove waste products and excess fluid from the blood) or surgery Growth and spread of the tumor, causing increased pain Spread of the cancer to the lungs, liver, or bones It's essential to follow the treatment plan developed by your medical team to ensure that serious complications do not occur. When to See a Doctor If you experience symptoms of renal cell carcinoma, make an appointment with your healthcare provider to discuss your symptoms. Certain symptoms will require further testing with a urologist, a medical doctor specializing in diagnosing and treating diseases of the urinary tract. Symptoms that may be a cause for concern include: Unintentional weight loss or dramatic loss of appetiteExtreme fatigueUnexplained abdominal swellingExcessive blood in the urineChanges in the size and shape of the testicles A Word From Verywell Certain symptoms of renal cell carcinoma can be frightening. In many cases, early symptoms won't appear, and diagnosis can be delayed. Watch your symptoms and contact a healthcare provider if they are causing concern. An early diagnosis presents a much better outlook for patients. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Limiting processed foods and red meats can help ward off cancer risk. These recipes focus on antioxidant-rich foods to better protect you and your loved ones. Sign up and get your guide! Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit 6 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. American Cancer Society. Can kidney cancer be found early? UpToDate. Clinical manifestations, evaluation, and staging of renal cell carcinoma. American Cancer Society. Kidney cancer signs and symptoms. Gray RE, Harris GT. Renal cell carcinoma: diagnosis and management. AFP. National Organization for Rare Disorders. Renal cell carcinoma. National Kidney Foundation. Kidney cancer.