When Blood in Urine or Back Pain was Dismissed as a Minor Issue | Nash & Co Solicitors
Written by Mike Shiers and Rebecca Brisley | Medical Negligence team | 18 February 2026
Blood in the urine and persistent back pain are symptoms many people experience at some point in their lives. Often, they are linked to infections, kidney stones, or muscle strain. As these explanations are common, symptoms can sometimes be treated as minor or temporary, particularly during an initial GP visit.
However, blood in the urine and unexplained back or side pain are also recognised warning signs of kidney cancer. When these symptoms are not investigated thoroughly, or when reassurance is given without appropriate follow-up, opportunities for earlier diagnosis can be missed.
What this article will cover
This article explains how blood in the urine and back pain may be overlooked as early kidney cancer symptoms, when this can amount to medical negligence, and what steps you can take if your concerns were dismissed. It also outlines how Nash & Co Solicitors supports people across Plymouth, Devon, Cornwall, and throughout the UK who are seeking clarity after delayed diagnosis.
Blood in the urine and why it should always be investigated
Blood in the urine is one of the most important indicators of possible kidney cancer. Even when it occurs only once or resolves quickly, clinical guidance often requires further investigation to rule out serious causes.
In practice, blood in the urine may be attributed to urinary tract infections, kidney stones, or prostate conditions. While these explanations may be appropriate initially, repeated episodes or unexplained bleeding should trigger referral for imaging or specialist assessment.
A failure to arrange scans, or to refer a patient through an urgent pathway, can lead to significant diagnostic delay. In kidney cancer cases, that delay can affect the stage at which the cancer is ultimately diagnosed.
Back pain that is repeatedly treated as muscular
Persistent pain in the lower back or side is another symptom that can be underestimated. Muscular pain is common and often resolves with rest or medication, which can make it harder to recognise when pain is linked to an underlying kidney issue.
When back pain persists, worsens, or is accompanied by other symptoms such as fatigue or urinary changes, further investigation may be required. Imaging is often necessary to rule out kidney related causes.
Repeated treatment for muscular pain without reassessment can contribute to delayed diagnosis, particularly where symptoms continue over many months.
Why symptoms are sometimes dismissed during GP appointments
GPs see large numbers of patients with common symptoms every day. Most cases of back pain or urinary symptoms are not linked to cancer, which can make it difficult to identify when further investigation is required.
However, repeated attendances, unresolved symptoms, or combinations of warning signs should prompt reassessment. Clinical judgement involves recognising when symptoms no longer fit a minor explanation.
In kidney cancer misdiagnosis cases, problems often arise when symptoms are viewed in isolation rather than as part of a developing pattern.
When dismissal of symptoms may amount to negligence
Not every instance of reassurance or initial treatment will be negligent. To establish medical negligence, it must be shown that the care provided fell below an acceptable professional standard and that this caused avoidable impact.
Negligence may be considered where blood in the urine was not investigated in line with guidance, or where persistent back pain was repeatedly treated without appropriate imaging. If another competent medical professional would have taken further steps sooner, there may be grounds for investigation.
Independent medical experts are instructed to assess whether the response to symptoms was reasonable at each stage.
How delayed investigation can affect diagnosis and treatment
Delays in investigating blood in the urine or back pain can allow kidney cancer to progress before diagnosis. Earlier identification may allow for more straightforward treatment and reduced need for long-term monitoring.
When diagnosis occurs later, treatment may be more complex and ongoing care requirements may increase. These practical consequences are central to understanding whether compensation may be appropriate in a medical negligence claim.
What to do if your symptoms were dismissed
If you believe your blood in the urine or back pain was not taken seriously, it may be helpful to seek specialist legal advice. Early advice allows medical records to be reviewed carefully and timelines to be assessed accurately.
You may wish to note when symptoms first appeared, how often you attended appointments, and what explanations were given. This information can help determine whether appropriate investigations should have taken place.
How kidney cancer negligence claims are assessed
Kidney cancer negligence claims involve detailed review of GP notes, referral records, imaging requests, and scan reports. The focus is on whether appropriate steps were taken in response to reported symptoms.
Independent medical experts consider whether earlier diagnosis was reasonably achievable and what difference it may have made. This evidence forms the foundation of any claim.
How Nash & Co Solicitors can help
When you contact Nash & Co Solicitors, you will speak directly with an experienced member of the Medical Negligence team. They will listen carefully, ask relevant questions, and explain whether further investigation may be appropriate.
We obtain medical records, work with independent experts, and guide clients through the process with clarity and transparency. Our approach is calm, supportive, and focused on helping you understand your options without pressure.
Nash & Co Solicitors assists clients across Plymouth, Devon, Cornwall, and throughout the UK. You can contact us on 01752 827067 or email medneg@nash.co.uk.
-
It must be shown that the care provided fell below acceptable standards and that earlier investigation would probably have led to an earlier diagnosis with improved outcomes.
-
Yes. If a healthcare professional repeatedly reassured a patient without reassessing persistent symptoms or ordering appropriate tests, this may fall below acceptable standards of care.
-
Not always. Negligence depends on whether the response fell below acceptable standards and whether earlier investigation was warranted.
-
Generally, you have three years to bring a medical negligence claim but when this starts depends on your specific circumstances.
In some cases, the time runs from the date the negligence and harm were obvious, while in others it runs from your date of knowledge, meaning when you knew or reasonably ought to have known that negligent treatment had caused you harm, such as the date of a delayed cancer diagnosis.
This test is fact specific and varies by case so it is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible to protect your position.
-
Yes. We assist clients across Devon, Cornwall, and throughout the UK.
