Kidney cancer usually develops from cells in the kidney tubules. A kidney tumour is often found by chance on a scan; blood in the urine, persistent flank pain or unexplained weight loss needs investigation.
- Visible blood in the urine, sometimes without pain and sometimes only once.
- Persistent pain in the side or back below the ribs that is not explained by movement.
- Stop smoking; support increases the chance of success and also helps recovery after treatment.
- Keep moving within your abilities and discuss persistent fatigue with the treatment team.
- Make an appointment promptly for visible blood in the urine, even if it happens only once and is painless.
- For urgent GP care outside office hours, call HAP 9252. Call Ambulance 912 only for an immediate threat to life.
Article status
- Version
- 1.0
- Purpose
- General medical information
- Last updated
- Sources consulted
- 7
Have you found an error or unclear information? Give feedback on this article.
General information, not personal medical advice
This article has been carefully prepared but may contain errors or become outdated as medical knowledge changes. It does not replace diagnosis, examination or treatment by your own GP. Always discuss personal questions and starting, stopping or changing medicines or treatments with your own GP.
For a life-threatening situation, call Ambulance 912. For urgent care outside office hours, call HAP 9252.
Read the full disclaimerYour response
Two anonymous questions
Did you find what you were looking for?
Do you now have a clearer idea of your next step?
Share article
Search by type of care, organisation, name or district.
