Any episode of visible blood in the urine should be investigated, even if it settles. The workup is usually quick and the commonest cause is not cancer - but ruling out serious causes is important.
Many causes of haematuria are benign, but some need prompt treatment:
A standard haematuria workup includes three parts - urine, imaging, and direct inspection of the bladder:
Urinalysis and urine culture to rule out infection; urine microscopy to characterise the blood; sometimes urine cytology to screen for cancer cells.
Usually a CT urogram - a CT of the kidneys and urinary tract - to look for stones, tumours and structural abnormalities. Ultrasound may be used in younger or pregnant patients.
A brief rooms procedure to inspect the bladder and urethra directly with a thin, flexible telescope. See the Flexible Cystoscopy page.
Depending on findings, further tests may be needed - for example, a biopsy of a bladder lesion, or renal imaging for a suspected kidney tumour.
Most patients are reassured by a normal workup. If something is found, Dr Kooner will explain the findings in plain language and discuss the treatment options. Many of the causes - stones, small bladder tumours, infections - are very treatable when identified early.
Yes. A single episode of visible haematuria that has settled still warrants a proper workup. Underlying tumours do not reliably announce themselves with ongoing symptoms.
Not necessarily. Blood-thinners often unmask an underlying cause of bleeding that would otherwise have stayed silent. The standard workup is still advised.
Flexible cystoscopy is usually quick and only mildly uncomfortable. Local anaesthetic gel is used for comfort. See Flexible Cystoscopy.
Visible blood in the urine is treated as a priority referral. Please contact the rooms with your GP referral and Dr Kooner's team will arrange an appointment promptly.
Arrange a consultation or request a second opinion on kidney cancer, stones, or reconstructive kidney surgery.