Does blood in the urine appear as an early symptom of kidney cancer?

Jun 27, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

My uncle noticed blood in his urine when he went to the bathroom. We suspect it might be kidney cancer. May I ask if blood in the urine can appear as an early symptom of kidney cancer?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Qi Zhirong
Among the early symptoms of kidney cancer, hematuria (blood in the urine) is a common manifestation. Approximately 80 percent or more of patients with kidney cancer may experience hematuria, which is usually caused when cancer cells invade blood vessels. Hematuria can be intermittent, meaning it may appear and disappear at different times, and is often painless. It is important to note that the degree of hematuria does not have a direct correlation with the size of the tumor; therefore, hematuria may still occur even if the tumor is small. In addition, other symptoms may accompany early kidney cancer, such as back pain, flank mass, weight loss, and fatigue. If the above symptoms appear, especially hematuria, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation for detailed examination and diagnosis.