Publish Date
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February 25, 2025
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Neck swelling in kidney cancer can occur when the cancer cells spread to the lymph nodes

Noticing any sudden changes around your neck could be a sign of a serious issue with your kidneys—including cancer, according to doctors. Experts say kidney cancer happens due to abnormal growth of cells in your kidney tissue forming a tumour. Cancer cells can affect cells in either of the vital organs and potentially spread to other areas of your body.
Statistics say kidney cancer is the 14th most common cancer worldwide and happens mostly in older people, getting diagnosed more in men than women.
Doctors say there are most often no obvious symptoms of kidney cancer, but it is usually diagnosed when testing for something else.

How is the neck connected to your kidneys?

Well, it is not easy to connect your neck with the kidneys but experts say that neck swelling in kidney cancer can occur when the cancer cells spread to the lymph nodes in the neck, causing them to enlarge. This forms a rare and aggressive form of kidney cancer.
Also, a lump in your neck indicates kidney cancer if it is a metastatic lesion, suggesting that the cancer has spread from the kidney to the lymph nodes in the neck. It points to advanced kidney cancer, which needs immediate medical attention, which means that the cancer has moved to other areas of the body.
According to doctors, metastasised cancer frequently spreads through the lymphatic system, resulting in swollen lymph nodes in your neck. If you find a lump in your neck, particularly if you have other symptoms associated with kidney cancer, it is essential to see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and assessment.
According to the National Health Services, some of these symptoms are common and can be caused by many different conditions. Having them does not 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." Once you go to the doctor, get examined for any lumps or swelling in your back or neck, along with a urine sample and blood test.

Signs and symptoms of kidney cancer

While kidney cancer may not produce any noticeable symptoms initially, as the tumour gro you may see many symptoms. A few of these include:
  • Blood in your pee or hematuria
  • A lump or mass in your kidney area
  • Flank pain
  • Tiredness and fatigue
  • A general sense of not feeling well
  • Loss of appetite
  • Weight loss without trying
  • Low-grade fever
  • Bone pain
  • High blood pressure
  • Anemia
  • High calcium

What causes kidney cancer?

While doctors do not know the exact cause of kidney cancer, certain risk factors increase your chances of the cancer, which include:
  • Smoking
  • Obesity
  • High blood pressure
  • Family history and genetics
  • Radiation therapy
  • Mutation in genes
  • Long-term dialysis

How is kidney cancer diagnosed?

Doctors say if you have symptoms of kidney cancer, there will be a set of investigations that will be done to diagnose it. This includes a complete medical history and physical exam along with certain tests that can help with assessment. These tests may include:

Urinalysis

It involves a sample of your urine to see if it contains blood.

Blood test

These tests count the number of each of the different kinds of blood cells, as well as look at different electrolytes in your body.

CT scan

It is a special X-ray that uses a computer to create a series of images, or slices, of the inside of your body.

Renal mass biopsy

In this procedure, a thin needle is inserted into the tumour, and a small sample of your tissue is taken to see if there are any cancer cells.
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