What condition is indicated by hematuria, flank pain, and a palpable flank mass?

The combination of hematuria (blood in the urine), flank pain, and a palpable flank mass is highly suggestive of renal cell carcinoma. This type of kidney cancer often presents with these classic symptoms due to the tumor's presence and its effects on renal anatomy and function.

Hematuria occurs when the tumor invades the renal parenchyma or when it erodes into the collecting system, leading to bleeding. Flank pain is typically a result of the growing tumor irritating surrounding structures or stretching renal capsule fibers. The palpable flank mass can be felt during a physical examination in cases where the tumor is sufficiently large. This triad is particularly characteristic of renal cell carcinoma, distinguishing it from other potential causes of these symptoms.

While bladder cancer, kidney stones, and urinary tract infections can present with hematuria, they typically do not present the combination of flank pain and a palpable flank mass to the same degree. Bladder cancer usually presents with hematuria and possible urinary frequency or urgency but not flank pain or a flank mass. Kidney stones may cause flank pain and hematuria, but do not generally lead to a discernible mass. Urinary tract infections are associated with symptoms such as dysuria and increased frequency but do not typically cause flank