If you’ve spotted any sudden changes in or around your neck, it could be a sign of a serious kidney issue. Kidney cancer affects cells in either of these crucial organs and can potentially spread to other parts of the body.
Kidney cancer is the seventh most common cancer in the UK, according to Cancer Research. It’s more prevalent in older individuals and is often diagnosed more frequently in men than women.
Several factors can influence your survival if you’re diagnosed with kidney cancer – such as the type and grade of the cancer cells. The condition can affect anyone, so knowing what to look out for is vital to increase the chances of early detection.
Some might not associate the neck and kidney as they couldn’t be further apart. However, the connection is easily explained, reports the Express.
Health experts from UCLA say neck swelling in kidney cancer can occur when the cancer cells “spread to the lymph nodes in the neck causing them to enlarge” – this is a rare and aggressive form of kidney cancer. A lump in the neck might indicate kidney cancer if it is a metastatic lesion, suggesting that the cancer has spread from the kidney to the lymph nodes in the neck.
This situation indicates advanced kidney cancer, which requires immediate medical attention as it shows that the cancer has moved to other areas of the body. When kidney cancer spreads, it often moves through the lymphatic system, leading to swollen lymph nodes in the neck.
Discovering a lump in your neck, especially if accompanied by other kidney cancer symptoms, is a critical reason to consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment. According to the NHS website, there are often “no obvious symptoms” of kidney cancer. It is usually identified when testing for something else.
The NHS advises: “Some of these symptoms are common and can be caused by many different conditions. Having them does not definitely mean you have kidney cancer. But it’s important to get them checked by a GP. This is because if they’re caused by cancer, finding it early can mean it’s more treatable.”
During a medical consultation, a GP might check for any unusual lumps or swelling in your back or neck. They could request a urine sample or conduct a blood test.
If your symptoms suggest cancer, you could be urgently referred for further testing or to see a hospital specialist. However, this referral doesn’t necessarily confirm the presence of cancer.
Kidney cancer symptoms:
When there are signs, they commonly include:
- blood in your urine
- a lump or swelling in your back, under your ribs, or in your neck
- pain between your ribs and waist that does not go away
- loss of appetite or losing weight without trying to
- feeling tired or having no energy
- a high temperature that does not go away
- sweating a lot, including at night
The NHS website also explains that certain factors may increase the risk of developing kidney cancer. You might be at higher risk if you:
- have a close relative with kidney cancer
- smoke
- are overweight or living with obesity
- have high blood pressure
- have certain inherited genetic conditions, such as tuberous sclerosis
- are having long-term dialysis for chronic kidney disease
Remember, while some symptoms are common and can stem from various conditions, they don’t conclusively indicate kidney cancer. Regardless, having them checked over by a GP for peace of mind is crucial.
If you are diagnosed with kidney cancer, then you do not need to struggle alone. There are plenty of organisations that can offer support to yourself and any loved ones affected.