Blood in urine recurrence

[Nicklemeister]

I am 46 years old and have a family history of bladder cancer. I am a non-smoker. 4 months ago, I had 2 episodes (3 days apart) of gross terminal haematuria (a little bit of fresh blood when my urine stream was finished). After consulting with a GP and having urine cytology and ultrasound done (all clear except for kidney stone in left kidney), I was referred to a urologist who subsequently performed a cystoscopy to check my bladder and place a ureteric stent for the stone removal. Nothing suspicious was found from the scope, thus the reason for the bleeding was undetermined. I had a follow-up procedure 10 days later to remove the stone. For the last four months, there has been no more bleeding until the last few days, when the same thing has happened again a few times – a little bit of blood at the end of the stream preceded by a burning sensation while urinating. I am overseas for a while and not in a position to see my urologist. Do you think I have cause for concern given that I had a cystoscopy just over 3 months ago which came back clear? Is it prudent to go back to a doctor when the first case of bleeding apparently turned out to be nothing sinister….Thank you, Nick.

[Nightingale]

Hello Nicklemeister,

I will answer your question this way.  After my first procedure to remove the Bladder Cancer found, I went back for my three (3) month checkup and more bladder cancer was spotted on the lining of my bladder.  In fact it occurred 2 more times.  Sometimes it is difficult to see bladder cancer that is on the lining of the bladder using white light technology.  Depending on which hospital you went to, some have Blue Light Technology  that can help the surgeon see the bladder cancer much better.

Toronto General and Humber River Hospital have this technology.

My recommendation is to go back and have yourself checked again.  Better to be safe than sorry.  The one good thing about bladder cancer is that if it is caught early and if it happens to be a mild form of cancer, your chance of survival is very good.  I am a good example of that.  I have been cancer free for 10 years now.

My Best,

 

[Rick B]

Hi Nick,

The above suggestion to follow-up with your GP is good advice.

All the steps you took 4 months ago (cytology, ultrasound & cystoscopy) are the same I had 7 yrs ago. My URO found a small tumor on the lining of my bladder. It was removed (immediately recurred 2x after) but I have been cancer free now for nearly 6 years. Given what you had done 4 months ago, my guess would be that the bleeding is related to the kidney stone.

I have no medical background but I have had lots of experience with kidney stones. I would not be surprised that there may have been a second stone undetected with the ultrasound. You didn’t mention the type of procedure you had to remove the stone so perhaps a second stone or residue from the first maybe the cause. Having said that, have it checked out as soon as possible. You mentioned you are overseas…if it’s an extended absence, then maybe a call or email to your family GP would be prudent.

Wishing you the very best…God Bless.

 

Rick

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