Blood in the urine should never be ignored, as it can be a symptom of serious conditions such as kidney cancer. Blood in the urine, also known as hematuria, is a concerning symptom that can indicate various health issues. 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 shares how Hematuria can be a sign of kidney cancer.

- Microscopic hematuria: Microscopic hematuria is invisible and can only be found under a microscope.

- Large hematuria: Urine with gross hematuria appears pink, crimson, or cola-coloured to the unaided eye.

There are many reasons that can lead to bleeding Dr Raman Narang shares:

1. UTIs: Bacteria that enter the urinary tract can result in infections that cause bleeding and inflammation.

2. Kidney stones: Severe pain and bleeding may result from hard mineral deposits in the kidneys.

3. Bladder Infections: Bladder infections have the same potential to cause bleeding as UTIs.

4. Enlarged Prostate: Blood in the urine can occur when a man's enlarged prostate presses against the urethra and bladder.

5. Kidney Disease: Bleeding and inflammation can be symptoms of a number of kidney illnesses.

6. Exercise: Excessive physical exertion might occasionally result in transient hematuria.

Hematuria As Signs Of Kidney Cancer

Dr Raman Narang shares that sometimes the first and only sign of kidney cancer is the appearance of blood in the urine. This happens as a result of hematuria, which is the kidney tumour's ability to bleed into the urine tract. While hematuria may not always signify kidney cancer, it is important to remember that it should always trigger additional medical testing.

Dr Raman Narang explains hematuria is not the only sign of kidney cancer; other possible symptoms include:

1. Back or side pain that doesn't go away is known as persistent pain.

2. Unexpected Loss of Weight: Losing weight without making an effort.

3. Fatigue: An ongoing state of exhaustion and low energy.

4. Fever: Recurrent or frequent fever that has no connection to an illness.

5. Swelling in legs or ankles.

Dr Raman Narang shares risk factors for kidney cancer:

1. Smoking: Compared to non-smokers, smokers have a significantly increased risk of kidney cancer. Tobacco's dangerous compounds have the potential to injure kidney cells, eventually resulting in malignant.

2. Being overweight: Kidney cancer risk is raised in individuals who weigh too much. Changes in kidney-related hormones brought on by obesity may accelerate the onset of cancer.

3. High blood pressure: Kidney cancer incidence is increased in people with hypertension. Kidney tissues can sustain damage from chronic high blood pressure, which increases their vulnerability to malignant alterations.

4. Genetic History: Kidney cancer in the family may raise the risk. This increased risk may be attributed to genetic predispositions and shared environmental factors among family members.

If diagnosed with kidney cancer, 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 tumour or, in some cases, the entire kidney. The two main types of surgery are partial nephrectomy (removing the tumour and part of the kidney) and radical nephrectomy (removing the entire kidney).

- Radiation Therapy: This may be used to target cancer cells and shrink tumours, particularly 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, particularly if the cancer has spread.

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