Fluid Retention
Edema, or fluid retention, is a symptom of many diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, among others. Edema can happen anywhere within the body, but the build-up of fluid in the legs and ankles can signal kidney cancer or other kidney-related issues. But why do your legs and ankles swell as a result of cancer?
The kidneys produce another hormone called aldosterone. The hormone has an important role in maintaining the fluid balance within the body, but when cancer cells are running amok, the tissues of the kidneys are slowly destroyed. This affects the hormonal balance, causing fluid balance to also be disrupted. Many kidney cancer symptoms disturb kidney function, so fluids cannot be reabsorbed optimally, and that too will cause fluid to build up in the extremities.
