Bone pain
One of the most common complications in renal cell carcinoma is bone metastasis. It is reported that one-third of patients with a late-stage condition develop bone metastasis, which includes a significant reduction in bone rigidity, susceptibility to fractures, high levels of calcium in the blood, and even compression of the spinal cord caused by changes in the vertebrae.
As the tumor grows in the bone tissue, it also destroys normal cells in a continuous cycle. Kidney cancer metastasis cells are known to release parathyroid hormone-related peptide, which can be measured sometimes as a sign of malignancy. This hormone leads to calcium alteration problems in bone tissue and by changing the normal reabsorption of calcium by the kidneys.
Over the decades, there have been more and more reported cases of kidney cancer in all racial groups. This is possibly because of improved techniques of imaging, but it is also caused by the increase in risk factors, especially obesity, hypertension and cigarette smoking. Even though we can’t change our genetic predisposition, we can certainly modify these risk factors by quitting smoking, controlling our hypertension problems, and becoming more physically active.
By staying attentive to these signs and symptoms, we will be able to detect kidney cancer whenever they appear, but always remember these often appear at a late stage of the disease. Thus, it is more important to perform routine check-ups and look after your own lifestyle making conscious efforts to live healthier. Therefore, ask your doctor if you ever have a suspicion, but do not miss your routine exams and yearly check-ups, especially if you are above 60 years of age or have a family history of kidney cancer.