Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Brown Discoloration In Urine?
Question: I am a 70 year old overweight male. For 2 days, I have had very dark brown urine. I am going in for a blood work and a urinalysis. What is it likely to be. I hope not cancer.
Brief Answer:
different possible causes
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
Cancer is a cause of discoloration of the urine but it would not be the most common cause.
The discoloration would be more likely to be due to a non cancerous cause though it would still have to be ruled out.
Dark discoloration of the urine may be due to: (1) an increase in the level of bilirubin (bile) in the urine.
This can occur under different circumstances such as (a)disease of the pancreas (infection of the pancreas or mass present) which affects flow of the bile
(b)liver disease such as infection of the liver or a benign mass (non cancerous) or cancer mass in the liver
(c)gallbladder disease such as gallstones, though this would normally cause pain if large
(d)medications that affect the liver
(e)alcohol liver disease
These are some causes of increase bile in the urine
(2)dark urine can also be due to dehydration
(3)kidney disease such as inflammation of the kidneys (glomerulonephritis)
The blood tests may include a complete blood count, liver and kidney function tests
Imaging such as ultrasound may be suggested based on the results of the investigations and your doctor's physical examination.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
different possible causes
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
Cancer is a cause of discoloration of the urine but it would not be the most common cause.
The discoloration would be more likely to be due to a non cancerous cause though it would still have to be ruled out.
Dark discoloration of the urine may be due to: (1) an increase in the level of bilirubin (bile) in the urine.
This can occur under different circumstances such as (a)disease of the pancreas (infection of the pancreas or mass present) which affects flow of the bile
(b)liver disease such as infection of the liver or a benign mass (non cancerous) or cancer mass in the liver
(c)gallbladder disease such as gallstones, though this would normally cause pain if large
(d)medications that affect the liver
(e)alcohol liver disease
These are some causes of increase bile in the urine
(2)dark urine can also be due to dehydration
(3)kidney disease such as inflammation of the kidneys (glomerulonephritis)
The blood tests may include a complete blood count, liver and kidney function tests
Imaging such as ultrasound may be suggested based on the results of the investigations and your doctor's physical examination.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Note: Consult a Urologist online for consultation about prostate and bladder problems, sexual dysfunction, kidney stones, prostate enlargement, urinary incontinence, impotence and erectile dysfunction - Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
