What are the Initial Symptoms of Bladder Cancer

The most common type of symptom in bladder cancer is the presence of blood in the urination. But you cannot diagnose bladder cancer by this only. Because many other diseases can have the same type of symptoms. 

Here are some common signs and symptoms associated with bladder cancer:

Bladder Cancer-Signs and Symptoms

• Blood in the urine
• Frequent Urination
• Painful Urination
• Changes in bladder habits or symptoms of irritation
• Lower Back Pain
• Pelvic Pain
• Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
• Changes in Urinary Habits
• Fatigue
• Weight Loss
• Swelling in the Feet
• Bone Pain
• Anemia
• Abdominal Pain
• Incomplete Emptying of the Bladder
• Loss of Appetite

What is Bladder Cancer?

Bladder cancer is the disease when the cells present in the lining of your bladder start to multiply without any control. This is one of the rare forms of cancer. The bladder has the function of holding the pee or storing it. When the cells in the bladder grow abnormally, it can cause many problems and show signs and symptoms according to the stage of the disease.

How Does this Condition Affect my Body?

Bladder cancer can affect your body in various ways and it also depends on the stage and severity of the disease.  At the start of the disease, bladder cancer may affect the lining of cells in the bladder and can produce the symptoms of blood in urine, frequent urination, and pain during urination.

Bladder cancer can also affect the structures and the organs nearby if it enters the advanced stage of the disease. Bladder cancer can also affect your urinary function and can cause incomplete emptying of the bladder. 

Bladder cancer treatment can also have emotional and psychological effects which can change your health, mental well-being, and overall quality of life.

What are the Types of Bladder Cancer?

Some of the types of bladder cancer are as follows:

Transitional Cell Carcinoma: This is the most common type of bladder cancer which affects the lining of your bladder from the outer to the inner layer.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma: This is a less common type of cancer that occurs in the flat cells inside the urinary bladder.

Adenocarcinoma: It is a very rare form of cancer that occurs in the glandular cells.

Small Cell Carcinoma: This is also a rare form of bladder cancer but it grows very fast and may require the combination of treatment.

How Common is Bladder Cancer?

Bladder cancer is not very common in India. According to the GLOBOCAN 2020, it is the 17th most common cancer in the country.  This type of cancer is rare among individuals under the age of 50 years, although it can occur at any age. The chances of bladder cancer increase with age, and the average age for diagnosis is around 70 years for both men and women.

What is the First Symptom of Bladder Cancer?

The first symptom of bladder cancer is often the presence of blood in the urine. But it can vary from patient to patient. It is very important to note that this condition can also occur in other diseases other than bladder cancer.

The confirmed diagnosis of bladder cancer can only be done after a complete medical evaluation and diagnostic tests like biopsy.

What Causes Bladder Cancer?

Bladder cancer can happen for different reasons but some risk factors can increase the chances of bladder cancer. Here are some of these risk factors: 

Smoking: If you are addicted to smoking, it can increase the chances of bladder cancer.
Chemical Exposure: Chemical exposure at work, like in dye, rubber, or leather industries, can also increase the risk of developing bladder cancer.

Age: The age of more than 50 years can also be a risk factor for bladder cancer because it is most commonly present in old age people.

Gender: Men are more likely to have bladder cancer than women.

Bladder Problems: If your bladder is often irritated or swollen, it can also increase the risk. This can happen with frequent urinary infections or bladder stones.

Family History: If someone in your family has bladder cancer, it can also increase your chances of developing the disease.

Previous Cancer Treatment: Treatments like radiation therapy or chemotherapy for other cancers also increase the risk of bladder cancer.

How Do Healthcare Providers Diagnose Bladder Cancer?

Healthcare providers use different diagnostic procedures and tools to diagnose bladder cancer. These tests may include the following:

• Medical History and Physical Exam
• Urinalysis
• Imaging Tests (CT scans, MRIs)
• Cystoscopy
• Biopsy
• Urothelial Cytology

How Do Healthcare Providers Treatment of Bladder Cancer?

Healthcare providers treat bladder cancer by using various approaches according to the stage and type of cancer. Common treatments are:

Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor (TURBT): In this treatment, the surgeon removes the cancerous tissue through a cystoscope.

Radical Cystectomy: In radical cystectomy, surgical removal of the entire bladder and nearby lymph nodes is usually performed. This treatment is used in advanced stages of bladder cancer.

Chemotherapy: In this, medications are used to kill cancer cells, either given intravenously or directly into the bladder.

Radiation Therapy: In radiation therapy, high-energy rays are used to target and destroy cancer cells.

Immunotherapy: This treatment strengthens the immune system of the body which fights cancer cells.

Targeted Therapy: This treatment involves medications that target specific molecules involved in the growth of cancer.

What are the Warning Signs of Bladder Cancer?

If you feel any of the following signs, you should consult with the healthcare professional:

• Blood in urine
• Frequent Urination
• Painful Urination
• Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
• Changes in Urinary Habits

How Can I Prevent Bladder Cancer?

You can prevent bladder cancer by having a healthy lifestyle and diet. To prevent bladder cancer, you should:

• Quit Smoking
• Limit Chemical Exposure
• Stay Hydrated
• Maintain a Healthy Diet
• Regular Exercise
• Treat Urinary Infections
• Go for Annual Check-ups

FAQs of Bladder Cancer 

Where Does Bladder Cancer go first?

Bladder cancer can first spread to nearby tissues and lymph nodes.

Is Stage 1 Bladder Cancer Curable?

Yes, stage 1 bladder cancer is often curable with various treatment options such as surgery, immunotherapy, or radiation therapy.  

What Are the 5 Warning Signs of Bladder Cancer?

Blood in urine, frequent urination, pain during urination, pelvic pain, and urinary tract infections are warning signs of bladder cancer.

What's the Main Cause of Bladder Cancer?

Smoking is a primary cause of bladder cancer.

What are the Three Warning Signs of Cancer?

Blood in urine, persistent fatigue, and changes in bowel or bladder habits are common warning signs of cancer.

What Age is Bladder Cancer Common?

Bladder cancer is more common in older adults with 70 years of age.