Kidney cancer is different from many other cancers. You may not notice any symptoms as the disease develops. For most people, it goes unnoticed for years.

Many people only find out they have kidney cancer when a doctor is examining them for another condition. For example, if someone is having gallbladder surgery, the doctor may order imaging of the abdomen (belly). The kidney cancer shows up in the imaging.

If you do have symptoms, they may include:

• Blood in your urine (pee)
• Unexplained pain in the lower back or side of your body
• A mass (lump) that is bulging out in the abdomen or side of the body
• Fatigue (feeling tired)
• Unexplained weight loss, which may happen quickly
• A fever not caused by a cold or flu
• Swollen legs or ankles