Which set of findings constitutes the classic triad of renal cell carcinoma?

• A. Fever, weight loss, and anemia
• B. Hypercalcemia, hypertension, edema
• C. Painless hematuria, flank pain, and a palpable abdominal mass
• D. Proteinuria, oliguria, and kidney failure

Answer: (C)

The main concept here is the classic presentation pattern for renal cell carcinoma. The best set of findings includes painless visible blood in the urine (hematuria), pain in the side or flank, and a mass that can be felt on exam in the abdomen or flank. Each part reflects how the tumor grows and interacts with kidney structures: bleeding into the collecting system causes painless hematuria, the expanding tumor stretches the renal capsule causing flank discomfort, and enough growth produces a palpable mass.

Remember that RCC can present with other signs and symptoms too, such as systemic or constitutional symptoms (fever, weight loss, anemia) or paraneoplastic effects like high calcium or high blood pressure, or even changes in kidney function. But the combination of painless hematuria, flank pain, and a palpable abdominal mass is the classic triad associated with this cancer.