Does upper tract urothelial cancer cause blood in urine?

Upper tract urothelial cancer begins in the lining of the renal pelvis or ureter, the parts of the urinary system that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder. Bleeding from this lining can make urine pink, red, or brown, although blood may also be detected only on a urine test. Bleeding can come and go and may occur without pain.

Blood in urine can also result from infection, stones, medicines, kidney conditions, or other urinary problems. Its appearance alone cannot identify the cause, so unexplained blood should be evaluated even if it disappears.

Contact a clinician promptly if you notice visible blood in urine or a urine test has found blood without a clear explanation. The assessment may include questions about timing, clots, pain, smoking history, medicines, and urinary changes, followed by urine tests and imaging when needed.

Bring a list of medicines and describe whether the urine changed colour after exercise, illness, or food. Do not assume that painless bleeding can wait, and do not stop a prescribed blood thinner without medical guidance.

Seek urgent care if bleeding is heavy, clots prevent you from passing urine, you cannot urinate, or you feel faint or severely weak. Fever with flank pain, vomiting, or a generally worsening illness also needs prompt assessment because infection or obstruction may require urgent treatment.

Ask what may be causing the bleeding, which urine tests or scans are appropriate, whether a specialist review is needed, and which symptoms should take you to urgent care.