Can blood in urine be a sign of kidney cancer? Know what experts say
Blood in the urine can be a symptom of kidney cancer, a serious condition that requires prompt medical attention. Early detection through tests such as urinalysis and imaging can improve outcomes. Risk factors include smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, and family history. Read on to learn more.
Can blood in urine be a sign of kidney cancer? Know what experts say (Image courtesy: iStock)
Blood in the urine should never be ignored, as it can be a symptom of serious conditions such as kidney cancerblood in the urine, also known as hematuriais a worrying symptom that can indicate various Health For many people, hematuria can be a worrying symptom. Hence, we got in touch with Dr. Raman Narang, Senior Consultant – Medical Oncologist, Andromeda Cancer Hospital Sonipat, who explained how hematuria can be a sign of kidney cancer.
Categories of hematuria
– Microscopic hematuria: Microscopic hematuria is invisible and can only be detected under a microscope.
– Massive hematuria: With massive hematuria, the urine appears pink, dark red, or cola-colored to the unaided eye.
What are its common causes? Bleeding in the urine,
Dr. Raman Narang explains that there can be several reasons for bleeding:
1. UTI: Bacteria entering the urinary tract can cause infection, leading to bleeding and inflammation.
2. Kidney stones: Hard mineral deposits in the kidneys can cause severe pain and bleeding.
3. Bladder infection: Bladder infections also have the potential to cause bleeding just like UTI.
4. Enlarged prostate: Blood in the urine may occur when a man’s enlarged prostate puts pressure on the urethra and bladder.
5. Kidney disease: Bleeding and swelling can be symptoms of several kidney diseases.
6. Exercise: Excessive physical exertion may sometimes cause transient hematuria.
Hematuria as a symptom of kidney cancer
Dr. Raman Narang explains that sometimes the first and only sign of kidney cancer is blood in the urine. This occurs as a result of hematuria, which is the ability of a kidney tumor to bleed into the urinary tract. While hematuria may not always be a sign of kidney cancer, it is important to remember that it should always be investigated for additional medical testing.
Symptoms of kidney cancer
Dr. Raman Narang explains that hematuria is not the only symptom of kidney cancer; there are other possible symptoms:
1. Pain in the back or side that does not go away is called persistent pain.
2. Unexpected weight loss: Losing weight without trying.
3. Fatigue: A constant state of exhaustion and low energy.
4. Fever: Frequent or recurrent fever that is not related to any disease.
5. Swelling in the feet or ankles.
Kidney Cancer Risk Factors
Dr. Raman Narang explains the risk factors for kidney cancer:
1. Smoking: Smokers have a significantly higher risk of kidney cancer than non-smokers. The dangerous compounds in tobacco have the ability to damage kidney cells, ultimately resulting in fatal consequences.
2. Being overweight: Individuals who are overweight have an increased risk of kidney cancer. Changes in kidney-related hormones due to obesity can accelerate the onset of cancer.
3. High blood pressure: The incidence of kidney cancer increases in people with high blood pressure. Chronic high blood pressure can damage kidney tissue, increasing their susceptibility to malignant changes.
4. Genetic history: Having a family history of kidney cancer may increase the risk. This increased risk may be due to genetic predispositions and shared environmental factors among family members.
treatment options
If kidney cancer is diagnosed, treatment options will depend on the stage and grade of the cancer as well as the patient’s overall health. Common treatments include:
– Surgery: The primary treatment for kidney cancer is often surgical removal of the tumor or, in some cases, removal of the entire kidney. The two main types of surgery are partial nephrectomy (removal of the tumor and part of the kidney) and radical nephrectomy (removal of the entire kidney).
– Radiation therapy: This can be used to target cancer cells and shrink tumors, especially in cases where surgery is not possible.
– Targeted therapy: These drugs target specific molecules involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells and are often used for advanced stages of kidney cancer.
– Immunotherapy: This treatment helps the immune system recognize and fight cancer cells.
– Chemotherapy: Although not commonly used for kidney cancer, chemotherapy may be used in some cases, especially if the cancer has spread.
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