Kidney Cancer Symptoms and Causes

Want to know more about kidney cancer? Our Dr. Masel can provide you with the info you need. 

Do you have a family history of kidney cancer? Have you or a loved one been recently diagnosed with kidney cancer? Whether you want to find ways to protect yourself and those you love from kidney cancer or you want to understand what might cause this to happen, our Hollywood, FL, urologist Dr. Jonathan Masel can answer all of your questions and provide you with the information you need to determine the best course of action for treating your kidney cancer.

What causes kidney cancer? 

When cells in the kidneys begin to mutate this can cause cell growth to get out of control. This overgrowth of cells can result in the development of a tumor. Certain factors such as genetics can predispose you to kidney cancer over your lifetime.

What are the risk factors? 

As with any health problems, certain risk factors can increase your chances of developing kidney cancer. It’s important to understand these risk factors so you can take the necessary step to lower your risk and prevent kidney cancer from happening to you.

Risk factors for kidney cancer include:

• Older age
• Male
• Obesity
• Smoking
• High blood pressure
• Workplace exposure to chemicals and carcinogens
• Kidney failure treatments
• Genetics/family history

What are the signs and symptoms of kidney cancer? 

Many people, especially during the early stages of kidney cancer, do not experience symptoms; however, as cancer progresses some people may experience,

• Blood in the urine
• Lower back pain
• Leg or ankle swelling
• Unexpected weight loss
• Decreased appetite
• Anemia
• A lump in the abdomen or back
• A fever that comes and goes

If you are experiencing these symptoms it’s a good idea to talk with Dr. Masel to find out if these symptoms could be indicative of kidney cancer. Since many innocuous health problems can cause these same symptoms above, do not assume that your symptoms are due to cancer. Dr. Masel has the diagnostic tools necessary to find out what’s going on.

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with kidney cancer here in Hollywood, FL, our urologist Dr. Masel is happy to sit down with you to discuss your treatment options. Call Masel Urology Center today at (954) 961-7500 to schedule a consultation.