Visible or not. Blood may be visible to the naked eye (macrohematuria) or only during laboratory analysis (microhematuria). In both cases, a thorough diagnosis is necessary.
Color #2: Dark brown or black – decomposition products
Dark brown or even black urine is a rare but very serious symptom. The causes can be both benign and dangerous.
Benign causes: consumption of legumes, rhubarb, aloe, as well as taking certain medications.
Dangerous reasons:
Melanoma. Malignant melanoma (skin cancer) can metastasize to internal organs, including the kidneys. Tumor breakdown products can be excreted in the urine, coloring it black. This is a sign of metastasis and an extremely alarming signal.
Kidney cancer. Some tumors can cause muscle tissue breakdown, resulting in the release of myoglobin into the urine, giving it a dark brown color.
Color #3: White or milky – lymph in the urine (chiluria)
White or milky urine is a rare but very important symptom. It suggests the presence of lymph in the urine, a phenomenon called chyluria. Lymph is a fluid that circulates in the lymphatic system.
Why it’s worrisome: Normally, lymph shouldn’t flow through the urinary system. This can happen if the lymphatic channels near the kidneys or bladder are compressed or damaged.
Relationship with oncology:
Kidney cancer. The growing tumor can compress or invade lymphatic vessels, disrupting lymphatic drainage and causing it to flow into the urine.
Lymphoma. Tumors of the lymphatic system can also obstruct lymphatic ducts and cause chylurria. This symptom should not be ignored.Why is early diagnosis so important?
Unfortunately, many people ignore these symptoms, considering them a temporary “disturbing signal” from their body. But cancer is a sneaky enemy that doesn’t forgive procrastination.
Bladder cancer. In the early stages, when the tumor has not penetrated the muscle layer, treatment is effective in 90% of cases. In advanced stages, the prognosis is significantly poorer.
