Overview
Blood may come and go.
Smoking is the biggest risk.
When to get medical care
Causes
Causes include infections, stones, and bladder cancer.
OwieClear has pages on 5 conditions that can cause painless blood in the urine, or a growth in the bladder. Each shows how soon to get care.
Common causes
- Bladder cancer (needs checking)See a doctor if it doesn't get better
Cancer of the bladder lining.
- Adenocarcinoma of the bladderSee a doctor if it doesn't get better
A rare bladder cancer, sometimes starting in the urachus (a leftover tube at the top of the bladder).
- Renal pelvis and ureter cancer (upper tract urothelial cancer)See a doctor if it doesn't get better
Cancer of the lining of the part of the kidney that collects urine (renal pelvis) or the tube to the bladder (ureter).
- Small cell carcinoma of the bladderOften needs care today
A rare, aggressive neuroendocrine cancer of the bladder that behaves like small cell lung cancer.
- Squamous cell carcinoma of the bladderSee a doctor if it doesn't get better
An uncommon bladder cancer linked to long-term bladder irritation, such as from long-term catheters, repeated infections, bladder stones, or the parasite…
What you can do at home
- Keep all follow-up appointments.
- Write down your questions.
Medicines
Treatment depends on what tests find.
At the doctor
Tests will look for the cause.
Questions you may be asked
- How long
- Weight loss
- Smoking and family history
The exam
A physical exam.
Tests
- Urine tests
- Cystoscopy
- CT scan
Prevention
Lower your risk.
- Don't smoke
- Get recommended screenings
Check your symptoms
Most symptoms have more than one possible cause. The symptom checker looks at all of your symptoms together, plus your age, and shows how soon to get care.
Sources
Last updated 2026-11-13.