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Point Pleasant, NJ
A 32-year-old female asked:

Hi on occasion for the past year i have had orange feels sandy , residue in toilet after urination gritty like crystals, drinking water it goes away.happens usually when i'm nice t drinking a lot. i'm 32 scared it's cancer..don't see blood?

3 doctor answers4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Dan Fisher
Internal Medicine 29 years experience
Crystals.: This is most certainly not cancer, but could be crystals related to concentrated urine due to dehydration. Left unchecked this may lead to formation of large crystals which we call kidney stones. They can be very painful. You should see someone to have a urinalysis to check.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Dr. Gurmukh Singh
Pathology 51 years experience
Crystaluria: What you described fits in with urinary crystals. You already know that you can take care of it by drinking more water. It is important that you drink enough water daily so that your urine is mostly colorless, so that you can avoid formation of kidney stones. For good health - Have a diet rich in fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, milk and milk products, nuts, beans, legumes, lentils and small amounts of lean meats. Avoid saturated fats. Drink enough water daily, so that your urine is mostly colorless. Exercise at least 150 minutes/week and increase the intensity of exercise gradually. Do not use tobacco, alcohol, weed or street drugs in any form. Practice safe sex.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Dr. Ed Friedlander
Pathology 46 years experience
Urate crystals: That's my bet. It's fairly common. I'm going to assume you're taking no other medications. Keep drinking plenty of water, ask whether a urinalysis to confirm this is in order, ask your physician whether it's worth checking your blood uric acid levels, or whether it's worth taking medication to alkalinize your urine (I wouldn't) which would dissolve the stuff.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Dr. Ed Friedlander
Pathology 46 years experience
Provided original answer
Thanks for your kind words and for the follow-up.
Jan 9, 2017
Last updated Jan 9, 2017

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