Bladder cancer, a prevalent type of cancer, commences in the bladder cells. The bladder is a hollow muscular organ found in the lower abdomen that stores urine. Bladder cancer starts in the urothelial cells, which envelope the bladder. These cells are also present in the kidney and the tubes that connect the kidney to the bladder. So, even though cancer may occur in the ureters or kidneys, it is more prevalent in the bladder.

Usually, bladder cancer is diagnosed while still in the early stage and is treatable. However, unfortunately, even early-stage bladder cancer can reverse after a successful treatment. This is why people with bladder cancer require regular follow-up tests to ensure that the cancer is treated immediately. Let us talk about the signs and symptoms of bladder cancer.

Blood in the urine

Typically, hematuria, or blood in the urine, is one of the first bladder cancer signs. When you have bladder cancer, you will see blood in the urine, changes in the urine color from pink, orange, or dark red. The urine color is standard in some cases, but small amounts of blood might be found in the urinalysis, which may be performed if other symptoms are seen or as part of the routine medical check-up.

For some people with hematuria, blood might be found one day but not on another. Moreover, the urine may be clear for weeks or months following that. But if you have bladder cancer, the blood will reappear at some point in time or other. When the tumor is still in the early stages, there may be blood, without any pain or other symptoms. Moreover, blood in the urine does not necessarily imply you have bladder cancer. Usually, it is a sign of something benign, such as an infection, bladder stones, kidney stones, or other benign kidney diseases. However, at any point in time, if you see blood in the urine, it is not something to be ignored.

Fatigue

Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of all kinds of cancer. It is also seen in bladder cancer.

Painful urination

It is a broad term which represents discomfort in urination. In this case, the pain might start in the urethra, bladder, or perineum. The urethra is the tube that takes the urine out of the body. In men, the area amidst the anus and the scrotum is the perineum. On the other hand, in women, the area lying between the vagina’s opening and anus is known as the perineum. Painful urination, followed by a stinging or burning sensation, is pretty standard and could signify several other benign conditions.

UTI-like symptoms

Bladder cancer is often mistaken for urinary tract infection (UTI) because of several overlapping symptoms. In this, patients might experience urgency and frequency in urination, followed by urinary incontinence or painful urination. When someone feels like they have to pee but cannot, have to go continually, experience a hard time emptying the bladder, or when the antibiotics taken for UTI do not seem to relieve the symptoms, it could be one of the bladder cancer signs. Hence, it is advised not to disregard it and speak to a doctor.

Incomprehensible pain

In the advanced stages, bladder cancer is often associated with pain, which may be experienced in the pelvis, abdomen, or flank area. In addition, patients might also experience pain in the bones (if cancer has entered the bones). So, if someone is constantly experiencing pain or aches in the stated areas, they must speak to a doctor, especially if this pain is followed by UTI symptoms or spotting.

Reduced appetite

This is not a giveaway bladder cancer sign, but it is often seen in different cancers. When cancer has spread or grown, some might feel weak, tired, and this is often followed by weight loss. However, of course, there are several things that might bring a change in the appetite, so the worst might not always be accurate. However, it should not be disregarded.