From the Guidelines
Common symptoms of renal cell carcinoma include hematuria, flank pain, and a palpable abdominal mass, although many patients may not experience any symptoms at all, especially in early-stage disease. According to the most recent and highest quality study 1, fewer patients present with the typical triad symptoms, and less frequently, patients present with signs or symptoms resulting from metastatic disease. Other presentations include fever, weight loss, anemia, or a varicocele. The study also notes that RCC in younger patients may indicate an inheritable disorder.
Key Symptoms
- Hematuria
- Flank pain
- Palpable abdominal mass
- Fever
- Weight loss
- Anemia
- Varicocele
Importance of Early Detection
It is essential to seek medical attention promptly if persistent symptoms like blood in urine or unexplained pain in the side are experienced, as early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes for renal cell carcinoma 1. A thorough physical examination, complete medical history, and laboratory evaluation, including a CBC count and comprehensive metabolic panel, are crucial in the initial workup 1. Imaging studies, such as CT of the abdomen and chest radiograph, are also essential in the initial workup and for metastatic evaluation 1.
From the Research
Common Symptoms of Renal Cell Carcinoma
- Weight loss, hematuria, abdominal mass, abdominal pain, fever, and night sweats are common symptoms of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) 2
- The classic symptoms of flank pain, hematuria, and a palpable flank mass occur in less than 10% of patients and suggest advanced disease 2, 3, 4
- Most patients are typically asymptomatic and diagnosed incidentally 2
- RCC can also present with paraneoplastic syndromes, such as acute pancreatitis 4
- Pulmonary manifestations of RCC include metastatic disease, pleural effusion, pulmonary embolism, and tumor embolism 3
Rare Symptoms of Renal Cell Carcinoma
- Orbital metastasis of RCC can present with symptoms such as cheek pain, tingling, and numbness 2
- RCC can also cause pulmonary arterio-venous fistulas leading to high output failure 3
- Paraneoplastic presentations of RCC can include cough or bilateral diaphragm paralysis 3
Diagnosis and Staging of Renal Cell Carcinoma
- Imaging techniques such as CT and MRI are essential for the clinical staging and restaging of RCC 5, 6
- The TNM staging system is used to stage RCC, and tumor size, renal sinus fat invasion, and distant metastatic disease are important factors in determining the stage of the disease 5
- Renal mass biopsy can also be used to diagnose and stage RCC 5