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What Causes Blood In Urine In An Elderly Person?
Posted on
Wed, 22 Jun 2016
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Wed, 22 Jun 2016
Answered on
Wed, 13 Jul 2016
Last reviewed on
Question : I am a 73 year old woman, vigorous and healthy (for 73) I plan to live well for another 27 years....however, recently I showed blood in urine. Never had such a symptom. Urine test indicated no infection. First question was is there cancer in your family? My minimal research tells me this is common (?) What is the next step.
Brief Answer:
Next steps.
Detailed Answer:
Hello Ms. Cholst,
While it is appropriate to ask about family history, blood in the urine (without the presence of infection) is not always due to cancer. Other causes include irritation of the urethra due to low estrogen (this would cause microscopic amounts of blood, not visible blood); or stones/gravel anywhere along the urinary tract.
The next step would be for a pathologist to examine a urine specimen. The pathologist can see a number of things that might not be obvious from a regular urinalysis.
If BUN (blood urea nitrogen) and Creatinine blood tests haven't already been drawn, these should be checked to give an idea of overall kidney function.
And a renal and bladder ultrasound should be done. This can show stones, abnormalities of anatomy, and tumors (which can be benign, not always cancerous).
Depending on what the ultrasound and other things show, the next step would be a CT and a consult with a urologist.
I hope this information helps and provides some relief of stress. Hematuria isn't always due to cancer.
Next steps.
Detailed Answer:
Hello Ms. Cholst,
While it is appropriate to ask about family history, blood in the urine (without the presence of infection) is not always due to cancer. Other causes include irritation of the urethra due to low estrogen (this would cause microscopic amounts of blood, not visible blood); or stones/gravel anywhere along the urinary tract.
The next step would be for a pathologist to examine a urine specimen. The pathologist can see a number of things that might not be obvious from a regular urinalysis.
If BUN (blood urea nitrogen) and Creatinine blood tests haven't already been drawn, these should be checked to give an idea of overall kidney function.
And a renal and bladder ultrasound should be done. This can show stones, abnormalities of anatomy, and tumors (which can be benign, not always cancerous).
Depending on what the ultrasound and other things show, the next step would be a CT and a consult with a urologist.
I hope this information helps and provides some relief of stress. Hematuria isn't always due to cancer.
Note: For further queries related to kidney problems and comprehensive renal care, talk to a Nephrologist. Click here to Book a Consultation.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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