Signs and Symptoms of Bladder Cancer: An Introduction
Bladder cancer usually develops over time. As the cancer cells grow within the bladder, they spread more deeply into the bladder and to surrounding areas. When bladder cancer spreads (metastasizes) outside the bladder, cancer cells are often found in nearby lymph nodes, nerves, or blood vessels. If the cancer has reached the lymph nodes, cancer cells may have spread to other lymph nodes and other organs. It is helpful to understand the progression of bladder cancer in order to understand bladder cancer symptoms, staging, and treatment.
Common Bladder Cancer Symptoms
Common symptoms of bladder cancer include:
- Blood in the urine (making the urine slightly rusty to deep red)
- Pain during urination
- Frequent urination, or feeling the need to urinate without results
- Lower back pain.
Bladder Cancer Symptoms: Summary
These symptoms are not sure signs of bladder cancer, because other health problems can also cause these symptoms. People with bladder cancer symptoms should see their family doctor or a urologist, who is a doctor that specializes in diseases of the urinary system. It's important to see a doctor as soon as possible, because only a doctor can diagnose and treat the problem.
