The most common symptom of kidney cancer is blood in the urine. In some cases, a person can actually see the blood. It may be present one day and not the next. Traces of blood may also be found in urinalysis , a urine test done as part of a regular medical checkup.

Another symptom of kidney cancer is a lump or mass that can be felt in the kidney area. The tumor may cause a dull ache or pain in the back or side. Less often, signs of a kidney tumor include high blood pressure or an abnormal number of red blood cells.

Symptoms may develop suddenly. However, as with other types of cancer, kidney cancer can cause a general feeling of poor health. People with this disease may feel tired, lose their appetite, and lose weight. Some have a fever that comes and goes.

These symptoms may be caused by cancer or by other, less serious problems such as an infection or a fluid-filled cyst. A doctor is consulted for a definite diagnosis.