Anemia
Roughly 21-percent of kidney cancer patients are going to experience anemia. In fact, research has found that microcytic hypochromic anemia is often a result of renal cell carcinoma. Whenever the kidneys are damaged or diseased in anyway—cancer, infection, inflammation, or failure—EPO isn’t produced. Bone marrow then produces less red blood cells. Since the blood has less red blood cells, less oxygen is transported to the tissues. Anemia from kidney-related illnesses will also cause a deficiency in essential nutrients such as folic acid, vitamin B12, and iron.
Anemia is a serious symptom, because it is often not just a side effect but also the cause of other issues, including:
• Weakness
• Headaches
• Chest pain
• Difficulty breathing
• Paleness
• Concentration difficulties
• Fatigue
• Lightheadedness
• Heart problems – tachycardia, enlargement of heart muscles, and heart failure.
