If you’ve noticed any sudden changes around your neck – it could be a sign of a serious issue with your kidneys. Kidney cancer affects cells in either of the vital organs and can potentially spread to other areas of the body without medical attention.
This is the seventh most common cancer in the UK, according to Cancer Research. It is more common in older people and often gets diagnosed more in men than women.
Several factors can make a difference in your survival if you are 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 very important to increase the chances of catching it early.
According to the NHS website, there are often “no obvious symptoms” of kidney cancer. It is usually diagnosed when testing for something else.
Some might not connect the neck and kidney as they couldn’t be further apart. But, the link is easily explained. An expert at UCLA said that neck swelling in kidney cancer can occur when the cancer cells can “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 points to advanced kidney cancer, which needs prompt medical attention as it shows that the cancer has moved to other areas of the body.
When kidney cancer metastasises, it frequently spreads through the lymphatic system, resulting in swollen lymph nodes in the neck region. If you find a lump in your neck, particularly if you have other symptoms associated with kidney cancer, it’s essential to see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and assessment.
The NHS says: “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.”
At a doctor’s appointment, you may get examined for any lumps or swelling in your back or neck. A GP may ask you to give a urine sample or have a blood test. You may get an urgent referral for more tests or to see a specialist in a hospital if the GP thinks you have symptoms that could be cancer. This does not definitely mean you have cancer.
What are the signs and symptoms of kidney cancer?
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 detailed how some things can increase your chances of getting kidney cancer. You may be more likely to get it 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
Some of the symptoms listed above 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.
