The Early Kidney Cancer Symptoms Doctors Sometimes Overlook | Nash & Co Solicitors

Written by Mike Shiers and Rebecca Brisley | Medical Negligence team | 18 February 2026

Kidney cancer can be difficult to identify in its early stages. Many of the symptoms associated with it are common, non specific, and often linked to less serious conditions. As a result, people may attend their GP several times before kidney cancer is even considered as a possibility.

When early warning signs are overlooked or not investigated thoroughly, diagnosis can be delayed. In some cases, that delay may later raise questions about whether appropriate steps were taken to identify the cause of ongoing symptoms.

What this article will cover

This article explains the early symptoms of kidney cancer that doctors sometimes overlook, why those symptoms are frequently misattributed, and when a missed opportunity to investigate may amount to medical negligence. It also outlines what to do if you believe your symptoms were not taken seriously.

Why kidney cancer symptoms are often nonspecific

Unlike some cancers, kidney cancer does not always cause obvious symptoms in its early stages. Many people feel generally unwell rather than experiencing a clear warning sign that something serious is wrong.

Symptoms may come and go, worsen gradually, or overlap with other common conditions. This makes it harder for both patients and clinicians to recognise when further investigation is needed.

Blood in the urine that is not followed up properly

Blood in the urine is one of the most recognised symptoms of kidney cancer, yet it is not always handled with the urgency it requires. Sometimes it appears intermittently or resolves on its own, leading to reassurance rather than referral.

In other cases, blood in the urine may be attributed to infection, kidney stones, or prostate issues without appropriate investigation to rule out cancer. While these explanations may be reasonable initially, repeated episodes should prompt further testing.

Failure to refer for imaging or specialist assessment when blood in the urine persists can represent a missed opportunity for earlier diagnosis.

Persistent lower back or side pain

Ongoing pain in the lower back or side is another symptom that may be overlooked. This type of pain is often attributed to musculoskeletal issues, especially if there is no obvious injury.

When pain does not improve with treatment or becomes more frequent, further investigation may be needed. Kidney related pain can be subtle and is sometimes dismissed as muscular strain without imaging to assess the underlying cause.

Recurrent urinary infections

Repeated urinary tract infections can sometimes mask an underlying kidney issue. While infections are common, especially in certain age groups, recurrent episodes should raise questions about whether there is a structural or pathological cause.

If infections continue despite treatment, or if symptoms return quickly, additional investigation may be appropriate. Failure to look beyond repeated infection diagnoses can contribute to delayed kidney cancer diagnosis.

Unexplained fatigue and weight changes

Fatigue and unexplained weight loss are symptoms that appear in many conditions. They are also common in everyday life, which means they are often not investigated in depth unless accompanied by more specific signs.

When fatigue persists without a clear explanation, or when weight loss occurs alongside other symptoms such as pain or urinary changes, further assessment may be needed. Overlooking these signs in combination can delay diagnosis.

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Discover more information about Kidney Cancer Misdiagnosis and how we can help here.

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How repeated GP visits can signal a missed diagnosis

One key indicator that symptoms may be overlooked is repeated attendance at GP appointments for the same or similar concerns. When a patient returns multiple times with unresolved symptoms, this can suggest that the initial diagnosis has not fully explained the problem.

In kidney cancer cases, repeated visits without escalation to imaging or referral can be a critical factor in delayed diagnosis. At a certain point, ongoing symptoms may reasonably warrant further investigation.

When overlooked symptoms may amount to medical negligence

Not every missed symptom leads to a negligence claim. To establish medical negligence, it must be shown that the care provided fell below an acceptable standard and that this failure caused avoidable harm.

For example, negligence may be considered where a GP failed to investigate persistent blood in the urine, or where repeated presentations with pain and fatigue were not followed up appropriately. If another competent clinician would have acted sooner, there may be grounds for further investigation.

Independent medical experts play a central role in assessing whether earlier action should have been taken.

The consequences of delayed diagnosis

Delayed diagnosis can affect treatment options and the complexity of care required. Kidney cancer identified at an earlier stage may be managed more effectively than cancer diagnosed later.

When diagnosis is delayed, treatment may involve more extensive intervention and longer-term monitoring. These practical consequences are often central to understanding whether compensation may be appropriate.

What to do if you believe your symptoms were overlooked

If you feel that early symptoms were not taken seriously or were repeatedly dismissed, it may be helpful to seek specialist legal advice. Early advice allows medical records to be reviewed carefully and timelines to be assessed while information remains available.

You may wish to gather details of GP visits, test results, referrals, and how your symptoms developed over time. This information can help determine whether the care you received met acceptable standards.

How Nash & Co Solicitors can help

When you contact Nash & Co Solicitors, you will speak with an experienced member of the Medical Negligence team who will take time to understand what happened. We explain the process clearly and assess whether further investigation is appropriate.

We obtain and review medical records, instruct independent medical experts, and provide clear guidance on next steps. Our approach is transparent and measured, allowing you to consider your options without pressure.

Nash & Co Solicitors supports clients throughout Plymouth, Devon, Cornwall, and across the UK. You can contact us by phone on 01752 827067 or email medneg@nash.co.uk.

• What are the early symptoms of kidney cancer?

  Early symptoms may include blood in the urine, persistent side or back pain, fatigue, recurrent urinary infections, or unexplained weight changes.

• Why are kidney cancer symptoms often overlooked?

  Many symptoms are non-specific and overlap with common conditions, making early diagnosis more difficult.

• Can I claim if my symptoms were dismissed?

  If symptoms were not investigated appropriately and this led to delayed diagnosis, there may be grounds to explore a medical negligence claim.

• How long do I have to bring a claim?

  Generally, you have three years to bring a medical negligence claim but when this starts depends on your specific circumstances.

  In some cases, the time runs from the date the negligence and harm were obvious, while in others it runs from your date of knowledge, meaning when you knew or reasonably ought to have known that negligent treatment had caused you harm, such as the date of a delayed cancer diagnosis.

  This test is fact specific and varies by case so it is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible to protect your position.

• Do Nash & Co Solicitors help clients outside of Plymouth?

  Yes. We act for clients across Devon, Cornwall, and throughout the UK.