Patient Education

Many people worry when they see blood in their urine. While it is certainly not a normal occurrence, it does not always mean that you have kidney cancer. There are numerous potential causes of blood in the urine, including infections, stones, and injuries. In this article, OncoCare Cancer Centre, a leading cancer specialist in Singapore, breaks down the possible causes for this condition and the other symptoms of kidney cancer to help readers gain a clearer picture of what might be causing blood in the urine for them.

Causes Of Blood In Urine

Blood in urine, also known as hematuria, can occur in both males and females when the kidneys or other areas of the urinary tract cause red & white blood cells to appear in urine. But fret not because most people feel no pain when they experience hematuria. While kidney cancer is one possible cause of blood in the urine, it is not the only one. A multitude of issues can cause this condition such as:

• Infections: Urinary tract infections happen when bacteria make their way into the body through the urethra and start to multiply in the bladder. Symptoms might include needing to urinate all the time, pain and burning when urinating, and urine that smells very bad. For some people, especially older adults, the only sign of illness might be tiny amounts of blood in the urine. Additionally, kidney infections, also known as pyelonephritis, happen when bacteria get into your kidneys from your bloodstream or enter through your ureters to your kidneys. Other than hematuria, kidney infections can result in fever and flank pain too.

• Bladder or kidney stones: The minerals in urine can crystallise on the walls of your kidneys or bladder and form small, hard stones. In cases where they cause a blockage, bladder or kidney stones can result in blood in urine when being passed.

• Enlarged prostate: The prostate gland, located below the bladder and surrounding the urethra, often swells in size for middle-aged males. This can cause compression of the urethra and blockage of the free movement of urine. Consequently, this can lead to finding it hard to urine, constantly needing to relieve oneself, and blood in the urine.

• Kidney disease: Blood in the urine can also be caused by glomerulonephritis, which occurs when the kidneys' filtering system is inflamed.

• Hereditary disorders: Sickle cell anaemia, a problem with haemoglobin in the red blood cells, can cause blood in the urine. Alport syndrome is another inherited condition that affects the filtering membranes in the kidneys and can also lead to hematuria.

Aside from medical conditions, if your kidneys are hurt in an accident or from playing a contact sport, you may see blood in your urine. Also, certain medications such as cyclophosphamide and penicillin can cause hematuria. For those experiencing conditions that will cause their bladders to bleed, taking anticoagulants like aspirin and blood thinners such as heparin can lead to blood in urine too. Unfortunately, if you see blood in your urine and it is not caused by any of the aforementioned reasons, it could also be a sign of cancer in the kidney, bladder, or prostate. This is why it is essential to understand the symptoms of kidney cancer as well to shed light on the true cause of your hematuria.

Symptoms Of Kidney Cancer

There are some signs that may mean you have kidney cancer. Aside from blood in your urine, these include a pain in your side or back that doesn't go away, feeling tired all the time, losing weight without trying, a fever, and swelling in your ankles or legs. If you identify with having these symptoms along with blood in your urine, you should see a doctor right away to be tested for kidney cancer. The earlier cancer is found, the better the chance of curing it.

Visit A Cancer Doctor In Singapore Today 

With 4.2% of men suffering from kidney cancer and the rising prevalence of this disease at approximately 2-3%, it is best to consider visiting a cancer doctor in Singapore if you are experiencing blood in your urine on a regular basis. Our team of oncology specialists are dedicated to providing the most comprehensive and personalised care for each of our patients. At our integrated facility, you can have access to cancer screening and treatment options according to your individual preferences and needs. Make an appointment at one of our conveniently located clinics today.

“Expert knowledge means better care for cancer”

Written by:

Dr Tay Miah Hiang

MBBS (Singapore)

M. Med (Singapore)

MRCP (United Kingdom)

FAMS (Medical Oncology)