Although kidney cancer is not among the ten most common oncological diseases in the world, it is considered the most lethal urological type. According to the National Cancer Institute (Inca), more than 12 thousand cases occur per year in Brazil. However, lack of information about the disease can delay diagnosis and hinder treatment.
Men with obesity, smokers and hypertensive people are at greater risk. Kidney cancer generally affects men over 40 years old, being more common in the age group between 85 and 89 years old. Women have a much lower incidence (one diagnosis in every 82 cases).
Additionally, other risk factors include:
- Family history of the disease.
- Obesity.
- Smoking or frequent exposure to certain chemicals.
- Specific medical conditions such as previous kidney disease, kidney stones, hypertension and diabetes.
The challenge with kidney cancer is that, most of the time, it has no obvious symptoms. Furthermore, there is no specific screening method for early diagnosis. Therefore, it is crucial that patients in the risk group are alert to any signs of the disease and undergo regular medical monitoring. Awareness and vigilance are essential to effectively tackle kidney cancer.
Kidney cancer is a disease that often does not present initial symptoms, which can make diagnosis difficult in advanced stages. However, there are some silent signals which may indicate the presence of this condition. Here are some of them:
- Blood in urine: The presence of blood in the urine, even if it is not visible to the naked eye, can be a sign of kidney cancer.
- Palpable mass in the abdomen: Some people may feel a mass or swelling in the abdominal area, especially if the tumor is growing.
- Pain in the lower back: Constant pain in the lower back, especially on one side, can be a symptom of kidney cancer.
- Unexplained weight loss: Constant weight loss for no apparent reason can be a warning sign.
- Paleness and anemia: Kidney cancer can affect the production of blood cells, leading to paleness and anemia.
- Occasional fever and night sweats: Some kidney cancer patients may experience low-grade fever and night sweats.
Remembering that early detection is essential for effective treatment. If you suspect any of these symptoms, consult a doctor for proper evaluation and diagnosis.
