5 Common Warning Signs and Symptoms of Bladder Cancer in Men and Women

Understanding the Warning Signs of Bladder Cancer

Bladder cancer refers to any cancerous growth that develops in the tissues of the bladder. It is important to understand the possible signs and symptoms so that prompt medical attention can be sought for early diagnosis and treatment.

Who is Most at Risk for Bladder Cancer?

Certain factors increase the risk of developing bladder cancer:

• Smoking or exposure to tobacco smoke
• Advanced age, most cases occur after age 55
• Being male men are 3-4 times more likely to develop bladder cancer
• Chronic bladder problems causing repeated infections or irritation
• Prior radiation treatment to the pelvis
• Exposure to chemicals used in textile, rubber or leather industries
• Personal or family history of bladder cancer
• Certain medications or herbal supplements

5 Warning Signs and Symptoms of Bladder Cancer

Here are 5 of the most common signs of potential bladder cancer. The only way to confirm a diagnosis is through medical tests.

1. Blood in Urine

Blood in the urine, called hematuria, is the most common early sign. Sometimes the blood is visible to the naked eye making the urine appear rusty or red-tinged after a trip to the bathroom. Other times it is only detected through a urine test (urinalysis).

While blood in the urine is the chief warning sign, this symptom alone does not necessarily mean you have bladder cancer. Various benign conditions can also cause bleeding like bladder or urinary tract infections, bladder stones, an enlarged prostate (in men) or kidney disease.

2. Frequent Urination

Needing to urinate more often and more urgently than normal could signal a problem. You may find yourself waking up at night more frequently to go to the bathroom. Loss of bladder control or difficulty starting a urine stream are also potential symptoms.

As with blood in the urine, increased urinary urgency or frequency does not definitively indicate cancer. Various conditions lead to similar symptoms. But it is still important to discuss with your physician.

3. Pain in the Pelvis, Lower Back or Flank

Some bladder cancer patients experience discomfort or vague pain in the lower abdomen, sides, pelvic area or lower back. Feeling generalized pressure in the pelvis or a constant dull ache is possible. The pain often comes and goes at first.

As the tumors grow and spread deeper in surrounding tissues, pelvic pain tends to worsen and become more constant. Back pain can also increase from cancer pressing on spinal nerves.

4. Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

Women in particular who experience frequent UTIs including bladder infections could have an underlying cancer as the cause. While antibiotics may help resolve the infections, another one tends to flare up after some time. This is because the tumor tissue can shield infectious bacteria from medications.

If you go through multiple rounds of antibiotics without relief from chronic UTIs, it warrants a comprehensive bladder evaluation. Catching cancer early dramatically improves prognosis compared to late diagnosis once the cancer has already metastasized.

5. Fatigue, Weight Loss and Loss of Appetite

While less specific for just bladder cancer, feeling extremely tired on a regular basis, sudden unintentional weight loss and lack of appetite could indicate a range of underlying serious illnesses. Fatigue typically stems from anemia or deficiencies in red blood cells that transport oxygen from advanced cancers.

These types of systemic symptoms require thorough testing for a definitive diagnosis. Bladder cancer needs to be ruled in or out along with other types like prostate, uterine, colon and blood cancers which cause similar fatigue and appetite changes.

When to Seek Medical Care for Symptoms

Do not ignore any symptoms that come on suddenly or seem different from your normal patterns and health history especially those affecting urinary system function. Some guidelines include:

• See your physician if you observe bloody urine
• See your physician you have needed to urinate much more frequently for longer than 24 hours
• See your physician if pelvic pressure/pain persists more than 2-3 days
• See your physician as soon as possible for recurrent UTIs with no improvement from taking antibiotics
• See your physician if experiencing daytime fatigue/weakness or losing appetite/weight for an unknown reason

While these symptoms may end up being caused by less serious conditions, it is vital to rule out bladder cancer early on when it is most treatable.

Diagnosing Bladder Cancer

If warning signs are present, doctors use a combination of diagnostic tests to determine if bladder cancer is the underlying cause including:

Medical History and Physical Exam

Expect questions about the symptoms being experienced like pain levels, urinary patterns, appearance of blood and associated appetite/weight changes. Information regarding risk factors and family history will also help assess likelihood of cancer.

Doctors physically check for signs like fluid in the abdomen, pelvic mass/pressure, enlarged lymph nodes, nerve issues or other problems suggesting spread of cancer to other areas.

Urinalysis

Testing urine under a microscope looks for presence of blood, bacteria, white blood cells or cancer cells shedding from bladder tumors. Urine cytology involves closely examining cells in urine to check for cellular changes indicating cancer.

Cystoscopy

A thin tube called a cystoscope is inserted through the urethra into the bladder allowing doctors to visually inspect the bladder lining for abnormalities. Suspicious tissue can be removed by instruments for biopsy testing during cystoscopy.

Imaging Tests

Various imaging scans check for tumors in the urinary system including:

• CT scan Uses x-rays and computer modeling to create cross-sectional images showing tumors in the hollow organs and lymph nodes.
• MRI scan Employs strong magnetic fields allowing very detailed imaging to pinpoint cancer location and growth into nearby structures.
• Ultrasound Soundwave echoes create visual mapping of organs, tissues, blood vessels and potential tumors.

Biopsy

Removing tissue samples from suspicious growths inside the bladder allows pathologists to analyze cells under a microscope. Presence of abnormal cancer cells confirms a bladder cancer diagnosis and indicates the type to guide appropriate treatment.

Outlook for Early Bladder Cancer Detection

Being attuned your body and discussing any questionable changes with your physician offers the best chance for early bladder cancer detection. When found in early stages while tumors are small and localized, 5 year survival rates are over 90%. Begin screening at age 50, or earlier with high risk factors.

While some symptoms like blood in urine or pelvic pain may not indicate cancer, they should never be ignored particularly when persistent. Catching serious diseases quickly vastly improves treatment success and quality of life.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.