As with many conditions, especially cancers, early diagnosis is critically important. The earlier kidney tumors are discovered, the better a patient's chances for survival. Therefore, vigilance for signs of the condition is important. Unfortunately, kidney cancer, like other cancers, often does not produce pain or other obvious symptoms in the early phases of the disease.

The most significant signs of possible kidney cancer are painless urination of blood (even just once or occasionally) and a mass or lump in the area of the kidneys or nearby abdomen. Other, less common or specific symptoms are:

• pain in the back or flank;
• tiredness;
• anemia;
• rapid weight loss;
• fever;
• changes in blood pressure.

Anyone experiencing unexplained symptoms such as these should see his or her family doctor or a urologist.