Many symptoms of bladder cancer may be related to urination irregularities, since the bladder is responsible for retaining urine after it is generated by the kidneys.
Understanding whether symptoms are a warning indication of something more severe, as well as detecting bladder cancer or confirming a prior diagnosis, need the assistance of bladder cancer experts who are trained and experienced in the treatment of the disease.
Indications of bladder cancer in its initial stages
Hematuria (blood in the urine): this is the most common indication of bladder cancer. It might be present on a regular basis or vanish and reappearance throughout days or weeks. Microscopic hematuria occurs when blood is present in such minute amounts that it cannot be seen with the naked eye, but a urine test may be able to identify it.
Even a little quantity of blood may cause urine to become orange, pink, or, in rare cases, dark crimson. Gross hematuria occurs when blood causes the colour of urine to alter.
Apart from bleeding, bladder cancer in its early stages seldom causes discomfort or other symptoms. Blood in the urine, however, does not necessarily indicate the presence of a tumour in the bladder. It’s more likely to be caused by anything less dangerous, including an infection, kidney stones, bladder stones, noncancerous tumours, or renal disorders.
It’s also worth noting that blood from a woman’s period might show up in a pee test, resulting in a false-positive result. Doctors may advise redoing the test in this scenario.
Changes in urination: urinary changes are more often an indication of a less dangerous ailment, such as a benign tumour, infection, urinary tract infection, bladder stones, an overactive bladder, or, in males, an enlarged prostate. They might, however, be another early signal of bladder cancer. These modifications might include:
- Urination frequency • Pain or burning during urination • Inability to pee • Urination urgency, even when the bladder isn’t full • Weak urine stream
Advanced bladder cancer symptoms
When bladder tumours get bigger or cancer cells migrate to other parts of the body, symptoms might include: • Inability to pee • Lower back discomfort, usually on one side
- Weakness or weariness • Swelling of the feet • Bone discomfort • Pelvic pain • Unexplained weight loss
If bladder cancer has spread to another region of the body, it may create symptoms specific to that portion of the body.
- Lungs: coughing or shortness of breath • liver: abdominal discomfort or jaundice (yellowing of the skin and/or eyes)
If your doctor suspects bladder cancer, testing to identify the origin of your symptoms may be recommended.
Bladder cancer treatment is determined by the stage of the illness, as well as the patient’s health history, age, and preferences. • Surgery • Radiation therapy • Chemotherapy • Immunotherapy • Targeted therapy are some of the standard therapeutic choices.
One of these therapies, or a combination of them, may be recommended by your cancer care team.
Choosing the right therapy
Doctors evaluate age, other major health issues, the cancer’s stage and grade, and the probability of a therapy’s effectiveness when deciding on treatment alternatives. Patients should talk to their doctors about their treatment objectives as well as the advantages and hazards of each treatment choice. Patients should also tell their doctors about any other drugs or supplements they’re taking. Even over-the-counter drugs, herbs, and vitamins may interfere with cancer therapy by interfering with it.
