Early Treatment Makes a Difference: 5 Symptoms of Bladder Cancer

As bladder cancer is one of the most common types of cancer, it’s important that you be aware of certain symptoms that can indicate early warning signs of the disease.

At Urology Specialist Group, the team of skilled urologists offers both diagnostic and treatment services for bladder cancer. They also work with you to ensure you can recognize the earliest signs of cancer in your bladder, especially if you’ve had another type of cancer or a family history of bladder cancer. 

What to look for in bladder cancer warning signs

Bladder cancer causes five specific symptoms. If you experience one or more of these symptoms, you should schedule a diagnostic evaluation.

Blood in your urine

If you notice blood in the toilet after you urinate or there’s blood on the toilet tissue after wiping, report it to your Urology Specialist Group provider. Blood in the urine is often the first sign of bladder cancer, or it may be the result of another serious, underlying medical condition.

Blood usually appears as a bright red color or may be a darker red or brown. Your urologist can also run a urine test to detect blood that’s not visible in your urine.

Pelvic pain

If you have pelvic pain that doesn’t go away, it doesn’t necessarily mean cancer. However, it could mean an infection is present. Either way, you need an accurate diagnosis.

Even with an infection, early treatment is important for preventing the spread of the infection. If pelvic pain is the result of bladder cancer, you need medical care to prevent the worsening of your pain.

Back pain

Pain may start in your pelvic region, but as it worsens, you may feel pain that radiates into your lower back.

Back pain associated with bladder cancer is often felt on one side of the body. You may also experience pain you feel in your bones.

Changes in urinary habits

If you feel you need to urinate more frequently or have pain or burning sensations when you urinate, you should schedule an evaluation.

Bladder cancer can also affect the strength of your urine stream or make you feel a frequent and sudden urge to urinate that doesn’t get better in time.

In advanced stages of bladder cancer, you may also find it difficult to urinate, even if you feel like you have to go.

Changes in your general health

In addition to urinary-specific symptoms, you may experience changes in your appetite. This can lead to unexplained weight loss and chronic feelings of weakness and fatigue.

When bladder cancer is advanced, you may also experience persistent swelling in your feet from a buildup of fluids in your body.

Diagnostic evaluations for early bladder cancer treatment

While there are many underlying health issues that can have symptoms similar to bladder cancer, but it’s always best to follow through with your urologist at Urology Specialist Group. By ruling out bladder cancer as quickly as possible, you can focus more on identifying the root cause of your symptoms

In the event your symptoms are related to bladder cancer, you can benefit from early medical intervention and treatments like immunotherapy. Early-stage bladder cancer is often easier to treat and can reduce the likelihood you’ll need to have surgery and other invasive treatments to protect your bladder health.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of bladder cancer, schedule a diagnostic evaluation today at Urology Specialist Group by calling the office or by booking an appointment online now.