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Hello, I Have A Question I Am Concerned About. I
Question: Hello, I have a question I am concerned about. I am asking because it is the weekend and just trying to understand my situation. I am 50 and very healthy and active. I am single, not in a relationship. I just had all my annual checkups about 2 months ago, and all was fine. All tests were good; even did the ColoGuard to test for colon cancer all was good there too. I have a slightly oversized prostate with a mild case of incontinence. I have been on flomax a little over a year. I am an active runner and exercise quite a bit. Last weekend I started feeling pain in my groin during my workout. I had colored (yellowish) urine and figured something might be up. I then had blood in my urine and immediately went to my doctor. The hematuria only lasted a few hours, but the dr gave an antibiotic and did a urinalysis. In summary, he thought it might be a bladder infection, thus the antibiotic. The results came back this week and didn't show a uti, or any bacteria at all, but elevated white and red blood cell counts. My dr has now requested (which I will do) a CT pelvic and abdomen scan with and without contrast. I'm concerned that it might be something serious such as bladder cancer, though it hasn't run in my family. I've also read about all sorts of things, including prostatitis and exercise-induced hematuria. It just has me very concerned, though I just had my annual physical and in seemingly perfect health. Outside of the aforementioned issues, I haven't had any serious issues with my prostate etc. Just would like a little insight into this. Thanks for any info you have.
Brief Answer:
Many benign conditions may cause blood in the urine (explained)- tests should be done (CT) as recommended to make sure bladder cancer is not the cause
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to 'Ask A Doctor' service,
I read your query carefully and understand your concern.
Even though the presence of blood in the urine can be caused by a large number of conditions, patients are more worried about the possibility of cancer being the reason behind it.
Kidney and bladder stones are a very common cause of blood in the urine and much more common than cancer. Also, the prostate may be a possible cause, as you already have problems with the prostate. In rare cases, strenuous exercise may cause the presence of blood in the urine, as you already have mentioned.
Finally, tumors (benign or malignant) may cause blood in the urine.
A CT scan is a good examination to identify possible structural causes (stones, tumors and examine the prostate as well).
To conclude:
- I totally understand your concern that bladder cancer is a potential cause of blood in the urine.
- on the other hand, other conditions such as stones, enlarged prostate, strenuous exercise and benign tumors of the bladder are other possible causes, these are even more frequent and more likely than bladder cancer.
- the CT examination is a good test to have some understanding of the structure of the kidneys, bladder, and prostate and further determine the cause of bleeding.
-thus, while I recommend you to continue the tests and examinations as your doctor advised you, it is important to consider that other benign causes are more likely and try to relax.
I hope this answers your query.
I remain at your disposal in case further medical assistance is needed.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj,
General and Family Physician
Many benign conditions may cause blood in the urine (explained)- tests should be done (CT) as recommended to make sure bladder cancer is not the cause
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to 'Ask A Doctor' service,
I read your query carefully and understand your concern.
Even though the presence of blood in the urine can be caused by a large number of conditions, patients are more worried about the possibility of cancer being the reason behind it.
Kidney and bladder stones are a very common cause of blood in the urine and much more common than cancer. Also, the prostate may be a possible cause, as you already have problems with the prostate. In rare cases, strenuous exercise may cause the presence of blood in the urine, as you already have mentioned.
Finally, tumors (benign or malignant) may cause blood in the urine.
A CT scan is a good examination to identify possible structural causes (stones, tumors and examine the prostate as well).
To conclude:
- I totally understand your concern that bladder cancer is a potential cause of blood in the urine.
- on the other hand, other conditions such as stones, enlarged prostate, strenuous exercise and benign tumors of the bladder are other possible causes, these are even more frequent and more likely than bladder cancer.
- the CT examination is a good test to have some understanding of the structure of the kidneys, bladder, and prostate and further determine the cause of bleeding.
-thus, while I recommend you to continue the tests and examinations as your doctor advised you, it is important to consider that other benign causes are more likely and try to relax.
I hope this answers your query.
I remain at your disposal in case further medical assistance is needed.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj,
General and Family Physician
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Thanks for answer. it helps relieve my anxiety a little knowing there are many benign causes for blood in urine. Its still a little disconcerting with my healthy lifestyle and habits (dont drink, smoke, do drugs or sleep around, decent diet). We will see how it goes. Thanks again.
Brief Answer:
It is a pleasure to assist you
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome back,
It is a pleasure to assist you.
As you mention because of a healthy lifestyle, chances are higher that a benign condition is likely. Just take a day at a time and try to not overthink or consider only the worse options.
I wish you good health.
.
I remain at your disposal in case further medical assistance is needed.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj,
General and Family Physician
It is a pleasure to assist you
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome back,
It is a pleasure to assist you.
As you mention because of a healthy lifestyle, chances are higher that a benign condition is likely. Just take a day at a time and try to not overthink or consider only the worse options.
I wish you good health.
.
I remain at your disposal in case further medical assistance is needed.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj,
General and Family Physician
Note: Consult a Urologist online for consultation about prostate and bladder problems, sexual dysfunction, kidney stones, prostate enlargement, urinary incontinence, impotence and erectile dysfunction - Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Kampana
Answered by
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