Can pus in urine be related to cancer symptoms?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Pus in urine (pyuria) can sometimes indicate cancer, such as bladder or kidney cancer, but it is more commonly caused by urinary tract infections, kidney infections, or sexually transmitted infections. Because the underlying causes vary widely in severity, a proper medical diagnosis is essential to identify the source and begin appropriate treatment.

If you've noticed pus in your urine, don't wait in uncertainty. Understanding your symptoms early can help you make informed decisions about your health and determine how urgently you need to see a doctor. Take a free, instant, online symptom check to get personalized insights based on your specific symptoms and clear guidance on your next steps.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

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Explanation

Pus in the urine, known as pyuria, can be a sign of infection or other medical conditions. People with cancer may have also urinary tract infections, which can cause pus in the urine. This suggests a possible link between infections and cancer, but it doesn't mean pus is always a sign of cancer.

In some cases, infections in the kidney, such as localized candidiasis, can also present as a mass, which might be confused with cancer. Therefore, it is important to identify the exact cause of pus in the urine with medical tests.

If you notice pus in your urine, you can start by using a free symptom checker to help identify possible causes, then consult a healthcare provider to determine the diagnosis and get appropriate treatment.

(References)

Munyi ST, Macharia WM, Alwar AJ, & Njeru EK. (1998). Screening for urinary tract infection in children with cancer. East African medical journal, 9746994.
Song Z, Papanicolaou N, Dean S, & Bing Z. (2012). Localized candidiasis in kidney presented as a mass .... Case reports in infectious diseases, 22567490.
Eissa S, Kenawy G, Swellam M, El-Fadle AA, Abd El-Aal AA, & El-Ahmady O. (2004). Comparison of cytokeratin 20 RNA and angiogenin in .... Clinical biochemistry, 15329320.

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