Differential Diagnosis for Hematuria in Males
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): This condition is common in older males and can cause hematuria due to the enlargement of the prostate gland, which can irritate the bladder and urethra, leading to bleeding.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Bacterial infections of the urinary tract are a common cause of hematuria in males, especially in those with underlying medical conditions or those who are sexually active.
- Kidney Stones: Stones in the kidney or ureters can cause bleeding due to the irritation and damage they inflict on the urinary tract lining.
- Prostatitis: Inflammation of the prostate gland can lead to hematuria, especially if the inflammation is severe or chronic.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Bladder Cancer: Although less common, bladder cancer is a critical diagnosis not to miss, as it can present with hematuria. Early detection significantly improves prognosis.
- Kidney Cancer: Similar to bladder cancer, kidney cancer can cause hematuria and is crucial to diagnose early for effective treatment.
- Trauma: Physical trauma to the abdomen or back can cause hematuria due to injury to the kidneys or urinary tract. This is especially important to consider in the context of recent accidents or injuries.
Rare Diagnoses
- Alport Syndrome: A genetic disorder affecting the type IV collagen in the body, leading to kidney disease, hearing loss, and eye abnormalities. Hematuria is a common presenting symptom.
- Goodpasture Syndrome: An autoimmune disease that affects the lungs and kidneys, causing bleeding in these organs. It's rare but can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
- Sickle Cell Disease: A genetic disorder that affects hemoglobin production, leading to abnormal red blood cells. It can cause various complications, including hematuria, due to sickling in the kidneys.
- Vasculitis: Inflammation of the blood vessels, which can affect various parts of the body, including the kidneys, leading to hematuria.