Does Brown Urine Mean I Have Kidney Cancer?

Brown urine can happen for many reasons, and at Urology Specialists of Cypress, our leading board-certified urologist Dr. James Stocks is here to help you understand all the possible causes and how they relate to your situation. 

Here, we look at possible causes of brown urine, discuss kidney cancer symptoms, and explain when it’s time to reach out for treatment. 

What does brown urine mean?

Urine may turn brown for many reasons, including:

Dehydration

When there’s not enough fluid in the body, the kidneys cling to what little fluid they have, resulting in dark urine.

Medication

Certain medications, such as some antibiotics and muscle relaxants, may turn urine brown. Iron supplements may have a similar effect. In those cases, the urine discoloration is temporary and generally ends when you stop taking the medication.

Foods

Some foods can turn your urine dark red or brown. Common examples are beets, fava beans, rhubarb, and blackberries. As with medication-induced changes, this effect is temporary.

Urinary health problems

Many urinary health problems may lead to brown urine, including urinary tract infections, kidney stones, and kidney diseases — including kidney cancer. However, it's not necessarily one of the hallmark signs of kidney cancer because the cancer is often asymptomatic.

More than half of renal cell carcinomas (the most common kidney cancer) are asymptomatic. However, as kidney cancer progresses, it can start to cause intrusive symptoms.

Common symptoms of kidney cancer

Blood in the urine, which can turn red, tea-colored, or dark brown, may be a sign of kidney cancer, but it’s not the only symptom. Some of the common signs include: 

• Persistent lower back or side pain
• Poor appetite
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue with no obvious cause
• Ankle and leg swelling
• Fever that isn’t related to an infection or virus

Early detection of kidney cancer can significantly improve treatment outcomes, so don’t hesitate to call our office if you're concerned about brown urine or other symptoms.

Worried about kidney cancer? We can help

Dr. Stocks performs biopsies and uses advanced imaging to diagnose kidney cancer. He designs a personalized kidney cancer treatment plan for every patient, from surgery to targeted drugs to radiation and beyond.  

We’re here to provide hope and help, and the earlier your diagnosis, the more positive the outcome tends to be.

If you’re experiencing brown urine or other symptoms of kidney cancer, don’t wait to get help. Early diagnosis can make all the difference. Call our office at 281-304-2521 to schedule an appointment today.