Pain in kidney problems is a common thing, but many times we ignore it considering it to be just ‘kidney stone’. Medical experts believe that the initial symptoms of kidney stones and kidney cancer are sometimes so similar that it becomes difficult to recognize the difference between them. On the occasion of World Kidney Cancer Day, having the right information can save your life. Let us know when you need to be careful.
Kidney stones are actually solid particles made of minerals and salt. The biggest identification of stones is its ‘pain pattern’. The pain of appendicitis arises suddenly, is very intense and comes intermittently like waves. In this, the patient may experience problems like nausea, vomiting, burning sensation during urination or bleeding with urine. If the stone is small then it can be removed by drinking water, but for big stones, medical intervention is necessary.
The case of kidney cancer, on the other hand, is quite different. The scariest thing about it is that it does not show any symptoms in the initial stage. Many times the patient does not even know that he has a serious disease. When cancer progresses, these symptoms appear:
Constant fatigue and weakness.
Rapid weight loss without any reason.
Feeling a lump in the stomach or lower waist.
Persistent mild pain in the lower back.
Frequent fever.
If you are confused, understand the nature of the pain carefully. The pain of stones is ‘sudden and sharp’, whereas the pain of cancer remains ‘mild but constant’. In case of cancer, blood in urine along with weight loss and extreme fatigue is a big red flag. If you are experiencing any such problem continuously, do not ignore it considering it to be a normal pain.
In both cases, only ultrasound, CT scan and lab tests can detect the true disease. Instead of relying on any home remedies or painkillers, it is wise to consult a urologist or oncologist. Testing done at the right time not only makes your treatment easier, but can also avoid major risks in the future.
