Noticing blood in your urine, even just once, is not something to ignore. While it might be caused by a urinary tract infection or kidney stone, doctors warn it could also be an early sign of something more serious, like cancer.
Medically known as hematuria, the presence of blood in urine can be either visible (gross hematuria) or microscopic, where it’s only detected through a lab test. Either way, experts say it should be taken seriously, especially if it continues or comes with other symptoms.
“Hematuria can be the earliest sign of kidney, bladder, or prostate cancers. It’s important to consult a doctor, particularly if there are additional symptoms like pain, a lump, fever, or painful urination,” says Dr. Ganesh Bakshi, Consultant Uro-Oncologist at P. D. Hinduja Hospital and Medical Research Centre, Mahim.
Early warning signs: Beyond blood in the urine
In many cases, hematuria is the first and only symptom of urological cancers, and that’s what makes it dangerous. A small amount of blood in the urine, if left unchecked, can lead to a condition that may later progress to an advanced stage.
“If there’s a delay in medical attention, hematuria can worsen, leading to weakness and progression of the disease,” says Dr. Bakshi.
In the case of kidney cancer, the early stages often go unnoticed. Small tumours rarely cause symptoms. They are usually discovered accidentally during imaging scans, like an ultrasound done for another problem.
“As tumours grow, they may cause mild abdominal discomfort, backache, or occasional bleeding in the urine. A noticeable lump or more alarming symptoms like blood in the sputum often appear in later stages,” he adds.
Who’s at risk?
According to Dr. Bakshi, the key risk factors for kidney cancer include:
- Older age
- Smoking
- Obesity
- High blood pressure
- Family history of kidney cancer
“Smoking, in particular, increases the risk significantly, by as much as two times compared to non-smokers,” Dr. Bakshi warns.
Early detection makes all the difference
The good news is that if caught early, kidney cancer is often curable. Once a tumour is found through ultrasound, a contrast-enhanced CT scan with 3D reconstruction helps assess the size, location, and stage of the tumour.
“Smaller tumours found early give the best chance for a complete cure,” Dr. Bakshi says.
Treatment options vary depending on the stage and size of the tumour. For early-stage cancers, a partial nephrectomy, surgical removal of just the tumour, not the whole kidney, is ideal.
“We prefer partial nephrectomy where possible because it removes the tumour while preserving kidney function. It can be done through open or minimally invasive techniques,” he explains.
For larger or more advanced tumours, complete kidney removal may be needed. In some cases, additional immunotherapy or ablative treatments like cryotherapy and radiofrequency ablation are offered, especially when surgery isn’t an option.
When should you see a doctor?
If you notice any blood in your urine, even if it happens just once, it’s best to consult a doctor immediately. Early tests, like a simple urine analysis and imaging scans, can help detect potential issues before they become life-threatening.
“Don’t ignore the early signs. Early diagnosis gives you the best chance at successful treatment and long-term health,” Dr. Bakshi advises.