Kidney cancer is the name of the disease in which the cells of kidney become malignant or cancerous. They tend to grow beyond control and form a tumor. Most of the cancer cells first appear in lining of the tubules in the kidney. Kidney cancers can usually be detected before they reach nearby organs, and thus can also be treated successfully.

Let us have a look at some of the early signs and diagnosis of kidney cancer.

Early signs of kidney cancer

• Blood in urine
  Blood in the urine is one of the most common symptoms of kidney cancer. This condition is known as hematuria and is seen in almost half of all the people who suffer from the condition as per Kidney Cancer Association. A small quantity of blood in urine can cause it to change color to pink or brownish. In some cases, if the blood content is more, the color could be yellow. However, several times, the color change might not be visible except in a urinalysis. Some other reasons for blood in urine are kidney infection, bladder infection, or a cyst.
• Pain in the lower back
  While back pain is one of the common occurrences among people over the age of 40 years, it can also be as an early sign of kidney cancer. However, many people do not feel any noticeable pain in the back till the cancer is in the later stages. While some people might experience a dull pain, others might experience severe pain like a sharp stab below the ribs or on one side of the flank. You should get yourself checked if you experience sudden pain and it persists for a few days.
• Lump near the abdomen
  A hard bump under the skin in the abdomen, or its side, or back can also be a sign of kidney cancer. Although they’re hard to feel in the early stages, they are present in almost 45 percent of the cases of the disease. This is one of the prominent points considered by doctors when analyzing the early signs of kidney cancer while making a diagnosis.

Diagnosis of kidney cancer
Several tests can be carried out for the diagnosis of kidney cancer. These include:

• Blood and urine tests
  Blood and urine tests can help the doctor in understanding the signs and symptoms, and to diagnose whether there is a possibility of kidney cancer or another underlying condition.
• Imaging tests
  A kidney tumor or abnormality can also be visualized with the help of imaging tests. Imaging tests could include a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computerized tomography (CT) scan, or an ultrasound.
• Taking a sample of kidney tissue
  This only happens in rare cases when a doctor recommends taking a kidney tissue and examining it for abnormalities. The sample is taken to the lab, where signs for cancer are investigated.