what’s the sign of bladder cancer

Symptoms

Symptoms of advanced bladder cancer. Being unable to urinate. Lower back pain on one side. Loss of appetite and weight loss. Feeling tired or weak. Swelling in the feet. Bone pain.

Causes

Signs of Bladder Cancer Blood in the Urine It may be very faint with a pink tinge, or the blood may be obvious. Hematuria often occurs without pain or other urinary symptoms. Blood may not be present in the urine all the time — it may come and go. If blood is not visibly noticeable, it may be detected by a urine test.

Prevention

 · Blood in the urine (hematuria): This is typically the first sign of bladder cancer. It may be present on a regular basis or disappear and reappear over the course of days or weeks. Sometimes blood is present in such a small amount that it can’t be seen with the naked eye, called microscopic hematuria, buta urine test may be able to detect it.

Complications

 · By far, the most common warning sign of bladder cancer is blood in the urine (hematuria). This can be visible as a person is urinating or detected only under the microscope. Less often, people may have symptoms of bladder irritation, such as painful urination, frequency, urgency, or needing to urinate more frequently at night (nocturia).

What are the first signs and symptoms of bladder cancer?

 · Signs of bladder cancer generally include: Blood in urine (also called hematuria ). It is the most common symptom of bladder cancer. Finding blood in urine (apart from menstrual blood) often alarms the person and makes them seek medical attention. Bleeding may cause the urine to turn red, pink, or orange.

Do you know the early signs of bladder cancer?

Blood in the urine can be a sign of bladder cancer, either visible to the eye or picked up by routine testing. The urine may look darker than usual, brownish, or (rarely) bright red. Most commonly,…

Can you spot the signs of bladder cancer?

 · Bladder cancer is among the top 10 most common cancer types in the world, with approximately 573,000 new cases annually. Men are statistically more likely to develop bladder cancer than women, and …

How do you detect bladder cancer?

Pain or burning sensation during urination Frequent urination Feeling the need to urinate many times throughout the night Feeling the need to urinate, but not being able to pass urine Lower back pain on 1 side of the body Most often, bladder cancer is diagnosed after a person tells their doctor about blood in the urine, also called hematuria.

What are the 5 warning signs of bladder cancer?

Here are five warning signs to watch for:Blood in the urine (hematuria). This is the most common early symptom of bladder cancer and typically the first sign of bladder cancer that is seen. … UTI-like symptoms. … Unexplained pain. … Decreased appetite. … Postmenopausal uterine bleeding.

How do you confirm bladder cancer?

Cystoscopy. Cystoscopy is the key diagnostic procedure for bladder cancer. It allows the doctor to see inside the body with a thin, lighted, flexible tube called a cystoscope. Flexible cystoscopy is performed in a doctor’s office and does not require anesthesia, which is medication that blocks the awareness of pain.

Which is the most common symptom of bladder cancer?

Blood in your urine is the most common symptom of bladder cancer. The medical name for blood in your urine is haematuria and it’s usually painless. You may notice streaks of blood in your urine or the blood may turn your urine brown. The blood isn’t always noticeable and it may come and go.

What is the main cause of bladder cancer?

Smoking. Smoking is the single biggest risk factor for bladder cancer. This is because tobacco contains cancer-causing (carcinogenic) chemicals. If you smoke for many years, these chemicals pass into your bloodstream and are filtered by the kidneys into your urine.

What are the symptoms of stage 1 bladder cancer?

SymptomsBlood in urine (hematuria), which may cause urine to appear bright red or cola colored, though sometimes the urine appears normal and blood is detected on a lab test.Frequent urination.Painful urination.Back pain.

Do you feel ill with bladder cancer?

Nausea and vomiting. Burning or pain when you urinate, feeling the need to go often, or blood in urine. Diarrhea. Feeling tired.

Is there pain with bladder cancer?

Bladder cancer can cause changes in urination. You might experience pain or a burning sensation when you urinate, and you may see blood in your urine. You may also feel: an urge to urinate more frequently than you used to.

Can you have bladder cancer for years and not know it?

It may be seen as a symptom of post-menopausal bleeding, simple cystitis or a urinary tract infection. As a result, a bladder cancer diagnosis can be overlooked for a year or more.

What age does bladder cancer occur?

Bladder cancer occurs mainly in older people. About 9 out of 10 people with this cancer are over the age of 55. The average age of people when they are diagnosed is 73. Overall, the chance men will develop this cancer during their life is about 1 in 27.

Can you live without a bladder?

It can affect your body image, and you may worry about its impact on your relationships and sex life. With enough time, you should be able to do almost everything you did before. Even if you now use a urostomy bag (to collect your urine), you can go back to work, exercise, and swim.

Can bladder cancer be cured?

The prognosis depends on the following: The stage of the cancer (whether it is superficial or invasive bladder cancer, and whether it has spread to other places in the body). Bladder cancer in the early stages can often be cured.

How long can you live with bladder cancer?

The general 5-year survival rate for people with bladder cancer is 77%. However, survival rates depend on many factors, including the type and stage of bladder cancer that is diagnosed. The 5-year survival rate of people with bladder cancer that has not spread beyond the inner layer of the bladder wall is 96%.

What are the symptoms of bladder cancer?

Listen to surgeon Bernard Bochner discuss some of the most common symptoms of bladder cancer. Blood in the urine (hematuria) is often the most common sign of bladder cancer. There are other symptoms to watch for as well.

Can blood be seen in urine?

Hematuria often occurs without pain or other urinary symptoms. Blood may not be present in the urine all the time — it may come and go. If blood is not visibly noticeable, it may be detected by a urine test.

Can bladder cancer wake you up at night?

Bladder cancer may wake you up at night with an overwhelming need to urinate.

Can bladder cancer make you uncomfortable?

Bladder cancer may make it uncomfortable to eat or make you feel like you don’t want to eat at all.

What are the symptoms of bladder cancer?

Here are five warning signs to watch for: Blood in the urine (hematuria). This is the most common early symptom of bladder cancer and typically the first sign of bladder cancer that is seen. It’s easy for women to overlook because it’s typically painless and can go weeks or even months between occurrences.

Where does bladder cancer pain occur?

More advanced bladder cancers are often associated with pain. Pain can occur in the flank area, abdomen, or pelvis. Patients can also develop pain in their bones if the cancer has spread to their bones.

Why is bladder cancer overlooked?

Bladder cancer may be overlooked in women because it’s easy to chalk up symptoms to a stubborn UTI or normal vaginal spotting. Unfortunately, this means women are often diagnosed after the cancer has spread and become harder to treat. So if you’re worried, don’t just write off your symptoms.

How many recurrences does bladder cancer have?

Bladder cancer has a 50-80% recurrence rate, which is among the highest of any form of cancer. This is why it is imperative to continue to see your physician and be on the lookout for any symptoms of bladder cancer if you’ve had it before. When in doubt, get it checked out. Age is another major factor.

How many chances of developing bladder cancer in women?

Women have a 1 in 89 chance of developing bladder cancer in their lifetime (Source: American Cancer Society – Key Statistics for Bladder Cancer). However, bladder cancer in women is on the rise.

How common is bladder cancer in women?

However, don’t let those stats keep you from learning to spot the warning signs. While bladder cancer isn’t one of the most common cancers in women, about 18,000 women are diagnosed with bladder cancer every year in the United States …

Why are women more likely to get bladder cancer?

The Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network reports that women are more likely to be diagnosed with bladder cancer at an advanced stage because they may not be on the lookout for early signs.

How do you know if you have bladder cancer?

When bladder tumors grow larger, or cancer cells spread to other areas of the body, they may cause symptoms including: Inability to urinate. Lower back pain, generally focused on one side. Weakness or fatigue. Feet swelling.

Why does blood in urine mean tumors?

But blood in the urine doesn’t always mean there’s a tumor in the bladder. It’s more likely to be caused by a less serious condition, such as an infection. kidney stones, bladder stones, or noncancerous tumors or kidney diseases.

What does it mean when your urine turns red?

When blood causes urine’s color to change, it’s called gross hematuria. Early-stage bladder cancer doesn’t usually cause pain or other symptoms besides bleeding. But blood in the urine doesn’t always mean there’s a tumor in the bladder.

What is CTCA in cancer?

At Cancer Treatment Centers of America® (CTCA), our bladder cancer experts treat all stages of the disease.

Can a bladder cancer test be repeated?

In this case, doctors may recommend repeating the test . Urination changes: Changes in urination are more commonly a sign of a less serious condition, such as a benign tumor, infection, urinary tract infection, bladder stones, an overactive bladder or, in men, an enlarged prostate. But they also may be another early sign of bladder cancer symptoms.

Can bladder cancer cause abnormal urine?

Bladder cancer symptoms. Because the bladder is responsible for holding urine after it is produced by the kidneys, many symptoms of bladder cancer may relate to urination abnormalities. Understanding when symptoms are a sign of something serious and either diagnosing bladder cancer or confirming a previous diagnosis require expertise …

Early Symptoms of Bladder Cancer

In the earliest stages of bladder cancer, most people do not have symptoms. When early symptoms do occur, they can have many other potential causes that are more likely than bladder cancer. Early symptoms include:

Later Symptoms of Bladder Cancer

Other symptoms are much less common or may occur later during bladder cancer. Some of these symptoms may be due to the spread of a bladder cancer to other regions of the body, and include: 4

Bladder Cancer in Men vs. Women

Bladder cancer is 3 to 4 times more common in people assigned male at birth than in people assigned female at birth. 5

Complications

There are very few complications during the earliest stages of bladder cancer. These may include: 4

When to See a Healthcare Provider

There are currently no guidelines or recommendations for screening people at risk of bladder cancer, including those who have significant risk factors. Clinical trials are ongoing to see if screening may detect bladder cancer early in some populations. 9

Summary

The most common early symptom of bladder cancer is blood in the urine. The blood either may be visible to the naked eye or only able to be seen under a microscope. Other common symptoms include painful urination, increased frequency or urgency to urinate, needing to urinate in the middle of the night, and pain in one side of the lower back.

A Word From Verywell

Catching bladder cancer in the earliest stages greatly increases your chance for a cure.

How do you know if you have bladder cancer?

Bladder cancer can at times be diagnosed early because it causes symptoms such as blood in the urine or other urinary symptoms. Signs of bladder cancer generally include: 1 Blood in urine (also called hematuria ). It is the most common symptom of bladder cancer. Finding blood in urine (apart from menstrual blood) often alarms the person and makes them seek medical attention. Bleeding may cause the urine to turn red, pink, or orange. There may be a few specks of blood in urine, whereas in some people, blood in normal-appearing urine may be detected on lab examination. 2 Increased urine frequency 3 Pain or burning while passing urine 4 Back pain 5 Pelvic pain 6 Feeling of incomplete bowel emptying even after urination 7 Thin urine stream 8 Difficulty in passing urine

What is the most common type of bladder cancer?

Depending upon the types of cells producing cancer, bladder cancer may be of several types. Transitional cell carcinoma, also called urothelial carcinoma, is the commonest type of bladder cancer. It starts in the innermost lining of the bladder, also called the transitional epithelium or urothelium. Advanced bladder cancer involves various layers …

What is the most dangerous thing to do if you have bladder cancer?

Smoking or being exposed to passive smoke, which is the most crucial bladder cancer risk. Exposure to certain chemicals at the workplace such as chemicals used in dye, paint, rubber, leather, metal, or petroleum products manufacturing.

What does it mean when your bowels are emptying?

Pelvic pain. Feeling of incomplete bowel emptying even after urination. Thin urine stream. Difficulty in passing urine. These symptoms may be caused by other benign (non-cancerous) conditions such as urinary tract infections ( UTIs) or stones (calculi) in the bladder or kidney.

Why does urine have blood in it?

These symptoms may be caused by other benign (non-cancerous) conditions such as urinary tract infections ( UTIs) or stones (calculi) in the bladder or kidney.

Why does my urine turn red?

Finding blood in urine (apart from menstrual blood) often alarms the person and makes them seek medical attention. Bleeding may cause the urine to turn red, pink, or orange.

Where is the bladder located?

The urinary bladder is a balloon-like organ present in the lower abdomen near the pelvis. Its function is to store urine coming from the kidneys through the ureters (pipe-like passageways for urine) until it is expelled from the body through the tube-like passage called the urethra. Bladder cancer affects around 57,000 men …

What is the best way to diagnose bladder cancer?

The cystoscope can be used to remove small tissue samples (a biopsy ) to be examined under a microscope. A biopsy is the best way to diagnose cancer. Swipe to advance. 1 / 22.

What tests can show if a cancerous tumor has spread beyond the bladder?

If cancer is found, imaging tests can show whether it has spread beyond the bladder. An intravenous pyelogram uses dye to outline the kidneys, bladder, and ureters, the tubes that carry urine to the bladder. CT and MRI scans give more detailed images of these, and can show the lymph nodes nearby.

How long do people with bladder cancer live?

About half of bladder cancers are caught when the disease is confined to the inner lining of the bladder. About 96% of these people will live at least 5 years, compared to people without bladder cancer.

What jobs can cause bladder cancer?

Research suggests that certain jobs may increase your risk for bladder cancer. Metal workers, mechanics, and hairdressers are among those who may be exposed to cancer-causing chemicals. If you work with dyes, or in the making of rubber, textiles, leather, or paints, be sure to follow safety procedures to reduce contact with dangerous chemicals. Smoking further increases risk from chemical exposure.

Why does urine look red?

Most commonly, blood in the urine is not caused by cancer, but by other causes. These include exercise, trauma, infections, blood or kidney disorders, or drugs, such as blood thinners.

What is the procedure to remove the bladder?

Transurethral surgery is most often done for early-stage cancers. If cancer has invaded more of the bladder, the surgeon will likely perform a total cystectomy, removing the entire bladder and nearby lymph nodes. For men, the prostate and seminal vesicles may also be removed..

Where does bladder cancer start?

Cancer is the growth of abnormal cells in the body. Bladder cancer typically begins in the inner lining of the bladder, the organ that stores urine after it passes from the kidneys. Most bladder cancers are caught early, when treatments are highly successful and the disease has not spread beyond the bladder.

What does it mean when you feel the need to urinate but can’t pass urine?

Feeling the need to urinate, but not being able to pass urine. Lower back pain on 1 side of the body. Most often, bladder cancer is diagnosed after a person tells their doctor about blood in the urine, also called hematuria. “Gross hematuria” means that enough blood is present in the urine that the patient can see it.

Can you see blood in urine?

It is also possible that there are small amounts of blood in the urine that cannot be seen. This is called “microscopic hematuria,” and it can only be found with a urine test. General urine tests are not used to make a specific diagnosis of bladder cancer because hematuria can be a sign of several other conditions that are not cancer, …

Can bladder cancer spread to other parts of the body?

Sometimes when the first symptoms of bladder cancer appear, the cancer has already spread to another part of the body. In this situation, the symptoms depend on where the cancer has spread. For example, cancer that has spread to the lungs may cause a cough or shortness of breath, spread to the liver may cause abdominal pain or jaundice …

Can bladder cancer cause pain?

People with bladder cancer may experience the following symptoms or signs. Sometimes, people with bladder cancer do not have any of these changes. Or, the cause of a symptom may be a different medical condition that is not cancer. Blood or blood clots in the urine. Pain or burning sensation during urination.