Bladder cancer is the most common type of cancer worldwide yet is one of the toughest to detect in the early stages. This disease is often referred to as the ‘silent killer’ as it can often progress without showing any signs, until it is so advanced that it is more difficult to treat. Living can be saved by knowing what symptoms to watch for because early detection is so important to improving outcomes.
Blood in the urine, known as hematuria, one of the most frequent early sign of bladder cancer. The blood in this urine may be visible to the naked eye and make the urine appear red or pink; or the blood may only be visible in a test document. In addition, you should not ignore hematuria; it can be due to a urinary tract infection or kidney stones, but hematuria, unfortunately, is not always harmless.
Other signs of cancer on the bladder include pain or burning sensation while urinating. Although this is also linked to an infection, if it doesn’t resolve after treatment, it may be bladder irritation from a tumor. This could also be indicated by sudden increase in the need to urinate, especially at night or feeling of bladder fullness, and urgency, if these are new and unexplained.
The problems could also recur, even if they don’t respond to treatment. If frequent infections can’t be explained, you should view them as a cause for further investigation to try to rule out bladder cancer as a possible cause.
It could be that the cancer is now affecting surrounding tissue as it can cause pain in the pelvic area or lower back that does not go away. However, in case it is accompanied by urinary problems, it is imperative to come to the doctor quickly.
In some cases, a tumor will obstruct the urinary tract and cause you not to be able to use the bathroom, have a weak or interrupted urine stream or even an inability to pass urine (urinary blockage). Treatment of these symptoms, which can be signs of advanced disease needing quick therapy, should be a medical emergency.
The second symptom is often unexplained and rapid weight loss, which may be associated with cancer but not with changes in diet or exercise. These may be accompanied by constant fatigue, general weakness or a sign of anemia and may mean that a tumor is compromising the body’s normal metabolic processes.
Signs of spread to the bones can include bone pain, such as in the spine, hips, ribs or limbs. These pains are usually constant, at times even painful if the leg is relaxed, and bothering at nights. Also, if there is a tumor blocking blood or lymphatic vessels, it can also cause persistent leg swelling that cannot be attributed to an injury. It is urgent to seek medical evaluation if the swelling is accompanied by redness or discomfort.
If you see that any problems you or your loved one might be experiencing show any of these symptoms, it is not the time to waste. Small problems can be identified early by a simple urine test or ultrasound. The better the earlier bladder cancer is diagnosed, the better the treatment and recovery. Hearing what your body is saying, and taking heed of warning signs will be the difference in an astonishing range.