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Help please! Thank you

Paul1976
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Hi, 

I'm a 48 year old male. I've been urinating a little more (not overly) but have a bad pain in my left side that radiates. Most of the time the pain is noticeable but not too bad, maybe a 3/10. At other times, it's a 6/7 that hurts a bit more if I bend or move around. A recent doctor's appointment showed microscopic hematuria. No kidney issues or blood issues from blood tests. They did show I am slightly dehydrated and had a slight increase in calcium (not too high).

I had a CT scan on Tuesday. My question is, if I have flank pain, I've read that means bladder cancer would be advanced. Is it possible to have advanced bladder cancer with minimal symptoms? Do people have a similar experience to me? I'm praying I have a stone but am terrified as I'm on a two week suspected cancer referral.

Thanks so much!

Paul

  • Hello Paul  

    Thank you for contacting us here at Macmillan Cancer Support.  My name is Rae and I am a Cancer Information Nurse Specialist.

    It is good that you have seen your GP and have had a CT scan to investigate your symptoms further.

    Flank pain with microscopic haematuria can be caused by several underlying conditions, kidney stones, urinary tract infections, kidney infections, and less commonly bladder cancer. 

    We try to not read into symptoms and cannot diagnose here on the support line.  This is because we are not part of the NHS and do not have access to your medical notes. 

    We do realise though that waiting for results can be a very anxious time for you.  The two week wait is a way of ensuring that you are seen as speedily as possible, rather than waiting months for investigations.  Worry is normal during this period, however, more than 9 out of 10 people (90%) who have an urgent suspected cancer referral will not be diagnosed with cancer.  Whilst you are waiting for results, it is important that you feel supported.  This can be through reaching out to speak to us here on the support line, your GP or through our online community.

    Best wishes

     

    Rae, Cancer Information Nurse Specialist

    You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email.

     

    Ref/RH/SH

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