Serious Warning Signs Of Kidney Cancer

Loss Of Appetite

Loss of appetite is the term used to describe the absence of an affected individual's desire to eat food. Appetite loss occurs in individuals affected by numerous types of cancer, including kidney cancer. Changes in an affected individual's metabolism can occur due to the adverse effects malignancy has on the body. Cancerous cells in the kidneys impair homeostatic functions that cause disruptions in the natural process of hunger signaling. Cells cannot produce enough usable cellular energy to supply all of the malignant cells and healthy cells in the body, causing the patient to feel weak and fatigued.

Appetite loss can occur as a result of a lack of energy to carry out the task of consuming food. Furthermore, cancerous tumors of the kidneys can cause an inappropriate buildup of certain toxins in the blood that would otherwise be filtered out by a kidney that does not contain cancer. These toxins interrupt normal metabolic processes and produce symptoms of nausea and vomiting due to organ toxicity. Pain, nausea, and vomiting are common causes of appetite loss.

Intermittent Fever

Specific types of cancer are known to liberate white blood cells called cytokines that induce a fever in affected individuals. A fever occurs when the immune system components signal a change in the internal thermostat of the body. While it does not help kill off cancerous cells, it is a defense mechanism that helps kill off infection-causing pathogens. The cells that trigger this process in response to a harmful pathogen are the same cells certain cancers are known to liberate. Specific cytokines known to produce a fever in individuals affected by malignant tumors include interleukin-6, interleukin-2, and TNF. There is no definitive pattern that occurs with this recurrent fever in kidney cancer patients. Fever may occur during the day or at night, and severe night sweats that prompt an affected individual to get up and change their bedding are a significant indication. The fever that occurs with cancer is mostly low-grade and not severe, although episodes of high fever are not uncommon either.