Kidney cancer occurs when the cells in the organ mutate and spread uncontrollably. While there are different types of kidney cancer, renal cell carcinoma is one of the most common among adults. Our kidneys remove toxins from the blood and flush out excess fluids. Cancer can affect these functions and lead to several other complications. Here are a few silent yet concerning signs of kidney cancer that one must never ignore.

Hematuria
The kidneys’ primary function is to remove toxins from the blood. However, cancer can damage the organ’s tissue and affect this function. Consequently, the kidneys can release blood that gets mixed with the urine, causing it to turn dark red, pink, or cola-colored. It is one of the first signs of kidney failure caused by progressive cancer.

Pain on one side
The kidneys are located in the lower back. When the organ is damaged, it may unexpectedly trigger sharp pain in this region. If one does not have injuries or underlying health complications that could cause this pain, they should get checked for kidney cancer. The pain can develop on either side as two kidneys function simultaneously.

Swelling
A swelling in the ankles and feet is one of the more visible signs of kidney damage. It is triggered when the organ cannot flush out fluids effectively, causing them to build up in the body. If the swelling is noticeable, one should consult an expert immediately to rule out kidney-related disorders.

Fever
An unexpected fever that persists for weeks could be a sign of damage to one of the vital organs. If the kidneys fail to remove toxins from the body regularly, the resulting damage can poison the blood in circulation and affect one’s immunity. An infection in the organ can also raise the body’s core temperature.

Fatigue
Fever, low immunity, and anemia that develop due to compromised blood purification and fluid retention collectively cause fatigue. This type of fatigue is not associated with weakness or tiredness that usually emerges from direct physical activity. It is a silent symptom that develops slowly and progresses without major flare-ups. Fatigue is often followed by unexpected changes in appetite, impacting one’s metabolism.