Blood in urine is very common and requires further assessment. 1 in 3 patients who see blood will have a significant underlying cause (not always sinister though) and 1 in 10 who have microscopic blood (blood which cannot be seen but only “seen” on urine testing) will have an underlying diagnosis. As such, blood in urine should always be taken seriously.
Professor Shergill has special arrangements in place in his clinic, to assess patients with blood in the urine in a “1-stop” fashion. This means that they will be seen, consultation and examination carried out, with option to perform immediate investigations, there and then in the clinic. A simple ultrasound scan (jelly scan) assesses the kidneys and ureter, followed by a cystoscopy (camera inspection of the waterpipe and bladder with a tiny camera) to assess the urethra and bladder for possible causes of blood in the urine.
If an underlying cause is found, it can be dealt with and treated early, with an excellent outcome. If investigations are normal, then Professor Shergill will reassure you and discharge you back to your GP.
Patient case history 1: Lady with blood in her urine concerned because of the family history of cancer
JB passed blood in the urine and eventually mustered up the courage to see her GP, who found blood on urine testing. JB was concerned about investigations as her mother had been diagnosed with bladder cancer a few years ago. Professor Shergill saw JB immediately in his private clinic and recommended a scan to assess the kidneys and ureter, followed by a cystoscopy to assess the urethra and bladder for possible causes of blood in the urine. All investigations were performed on the same day in clinic and Professor Shergill detected a small bladder tumour. Subsequently, JB underwent a small one day-case operation to remove the tumour, which revealed a very early localised bladder cancer. JB was extremely relieved and glad she had sought help immediately. She is on regular follow up to date, without any problems.