Microscopic hematuria

Dear Marius,

Thank you for getting in touch, and welcome to our online community.  My name is Lisa, and I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line.   Thank you for sharing this information.  It’s understandable that you’re feeling concerned about the microscopic blood in your urine.

Microscopic haematuria (blood that is seen only under a microscope) can have many causes, some of which are harmless, such as trauma or inflammation or even vigorous exercise. Other causes could be bladder or kidney conditions, such as infections or stones.   You wrote that you do not have any pain, burning, or urinary irritation, which is reassuring. 

While the most common symptom of bladder cancer is blood in the urine, many people with bladder cancer also have other symptoms, such as visible blood in the urine, pain, or urinary changes.  However, many people with signs and symptoms of bladder cancer will not have bladder cancer, but we do know that the earlier cancer is diagnosed, the more likely it is to be cured.   

It’s very appropriate that your doctor has referred you to a urologist for further evaluation.  The urologist may recommend further tests, which might include an ultrasound scan or a cystoscopy.  These sorts of tests are usually the next step to rule out anything serious, such as cancer.

In the meanwhile, I understand that it isn’t always easy but try not to panic. It’s normal to feel anxious while waiting for this appointment.   The positive side is that you don’t have any other symptoms.  You’ve already done the right thing by having this checked, and the fact that your GP has referred you to a urologist is a good thing as it means that you’re being checked properly and thoroughly.  The urologist will then be able to give you a clearer answer after further investigation   In the meantime it may be helpful to make some notes of things you want to discuss at your urology appointment on the 5^th of January. 

While waiting can feel particularly stressful, there are things that you can do to help ease worry, such as speaking with family or friends, sticking to your routine and keeping busy, exercising and eating well, and practicing breathing and relaxation exercises.

I hope that you’ve found this information helpful.  Please do feel free to get back in touch with us if there is anything further we can help you with or if you have any other concerns.  You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts.  Phone free on 0808 808 00 00 (7 days a week, 8am to 8pm) or send us an email.

Take care and best wishes,

Lisa R

Cancer Information Nurse Specialist

Ref/BL/LiR