Blood in urine should always prompt doctor visit

Dear Dr. Roach: I’m a 92-year-old man in better-than-average health. I have had two episodes of blood in my urine in the past two months. I know this isn’t normal. At my age, I’d just like to make believe it didn’t happen. What’s my future like? — Anon.

Answer: Your future will shortly include, I hope, a visit to your regular doctor. Blood in the urine often is due to a urine infection or a kidney stone, but in older men, there is always a concern about a tumor, whether of the kidney, bladder or prostate. Pretending it didn’t happen is not a good solution, and your doctors will certainly take your age into account when looking at diagnostic possibilities and treatments. Most cases will turn out to be not much to worry about, so the sooner you get in, the sooner you can find out what’s going on and see what steps may be necessary.