Spotting blood in your urine can feel unsettling, and for good reason. While the cause may be as simple as a urinary tract infection or a small kidney stone, it can also be an early sign of something far more serious, such as kidney disease or even cancer. Health experts stress that ignoring this symptom could delay critical treatment.
When to Worry About Hematuria
“Blood in the pee, or urine, can be visible directly (called Gross hematuria) or detected only under a microscope, which is known as microscopic hematuria. It should never be overlooked. For a lot of people with early-stage kidney cancer, it can be the first, and often the only sign,” explained Dr. Madhav Hande, Consultant – Nephrology, Renal Transplant Physician, Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bengaluru.
Some red
flags that demand immediate medical attention include:
- Burning or pain while urinating
- Fever
- Sudden weight loss
- Side or back pain
- Passing blood clots in urine
Why Early Detection Matters
Kidney cancer is often called a “silent disease” because symptoms can be minimal in its early stages. “Nearly a quarter of people with kidney cancer have no other symptoms at the moment of diagnosis. That’s why blood in urine must never be dismissed as trivial,” Dr. Hande added.
According to Dr. Mohammed Fahad Khan, Consultant – Nephrology, Transplant Physician, Manipal Hospital, Old Airport Road, Bengaluru, painless hematuria is particularly dangerous to ignore. “It could be an important warning signal of kidney disease lurking below the surface, or worse yet, kidney cancer. Persistent or unexplained hematuria, especially if it is painless, should be investigated with a comprehensive medical evaluation,” he said.
What Tests to Expect
Doctors typically begin with a urine test and a kidney ultrasound. Depending on the findings, more advanced imaging such as a CT or MRI may be ordered. “Occasionally, a PET scan may help determine whether the disease has spread. We also recommend tissue diagnosis by a urologist, with treatment guided by the stage and severity,” Dr. Hande explained.
For patients over 40, particularly those with risk factors like smoking, long-term painkiller use, or exposure to workplace toxins, the risk of malignancy rises. “From a nephrologist’s perspective, hematuria can also indicate glomerular conditions or chronic kidney disease,” Dr. Khan emphasised.
Blood in the urine is never just a minor issue. It’s the body’s way of sending a message that something is wrong underneath – something silent but potentially serious. The sooner the cause is identified, the better the outcome.
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