The cells that line the inside of a person’s bladder are what will normally be the first to succumb to cancer of the bladder. Although this type of cancer is most commonly associated with the bladder, it may form in any area of the urinary tract.
Bladder cancer treatment is most likely to be a success when it is caught during the early stages of development, and the good news is that 7 out of 10 bladder cancer diagnoses are caught in this stage. It is possible, even with early detection and treatment, that a re-occurrence can come about. Even with successful treatment, it is important to keep an eye out for fresh bladder cancer symptoms, and it is advised that for years after bladder cancer treatment, one seeks out follow-up tests.
Symptoms
The first, and oftentimes most common symptom of cancer of the bladder is blood in the urine. It can only be a small amount, but sometimes it may contain enough that the urine may change or a dark red, pink, or orange color.
It’s not uncommon that one day there are signs of blood, but the next everything appears normal. If the cause of the blood is cancer of the bladder, the blood will at some point come back. It’s possible though that visible detection of this blood is not possible, at it may only be detected with a urine test given by a lab tech or doctor.
Some other signs of bladder cancer include:
- Increased frequency of urination
- Changes in the color of urine
- Pain when urinating
- The sensation of having to urinate, even when the bladder is empty
If any of these signs are detected, there is no need to panic, but a doctor should be contacted. It’s possible that the person may have a less serious condition such as a bladder infection, or urinary tract infection, and these signs don’t point to cancer of the bladder definitively.
If cancer of the bladder has formed, once it starts to spread, some things that may be noticed include:
- Inability to urinate
- Lower back pain
- Unexplained weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Feelings of lethargy or weakness
Again, see your doctor if any of these things happen to you. They more likely signal that you have something other than bladder cancer.
Conclusion
When signs of bladder cancer are detected, one should seek bladder cancer treatment as soon as possible. Bladder cancer symptoms are usually readily noticeable, and with early detection and treatment, it can usually be cured.
Sources:
https://www.webmd.com/cancer/bladder-cancer/understanding-bladder-cancer-symptoms
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/bladder-cancer/causes-risks-prevention/what-causes.html