Kidney cancer symptoms: what to know

Some kidney tumours cause no noticeable symptoms and are found during imaging for another reason. When symptoms occur, they can include red, pink, or tea-coloured urine; persistent pain in the back or side; a swelling or lump under the ribs; unexplained tiredness; reduced appetite; or weight loss without trying. Fever that keeps returning, night sweats, or ongoing anaemia may also need assessment. These changes have many possible causes, including infection, stones, medication effects, and other non-cancer conditions. A symptom is not a diagnosis.

Arrange a medical assessment if a urinary change, side pain, lump, or unexplained general symptom persists or returns. A clinician may ask about timing, medicines, smoking history, previous kidney problems, and family history, then examine you and request urine and blood tests. Ultrasound, CT, or MRI can show the kidneys and nearby structures. If imaging finds a suspicious area, the care team explains whether monitoring, further imaging, or tissue sampling is appropriate. Treatment options, when needed, can include [Kidney Removal Surgery](/treatments/surgical-oncology/nephrectomy/), [Tumour Ablation](/treatments/surgical-oncology/tumour-ablation/), [Immunotherapy](/treatments/systemic-therapy/immunotherapy/), or [Targeted Therapy](/treatments/systemic-therapy/targeted-therapy/), depending on the findings.

Seek urgent medical help for heavy or persistent blood in the urine, inability to pass urine, severe or rapidly worsening side pain, faintness, confusion, or fever with shaking chills. Contact a clinician soon for visible blood in the urine even if it happens once, a new lump, or symptoms that do not settle. Bring a list of medicines and note the colour of urine, pain location, fever, and any change in appetite or weight.

Could these symptoms have a cause other than cancer? Which urine or blood tests are useful? Do I need imaging, and which type? If a kidney mass is found, what features make it concerning? How will my kidney function be checked?