Symptoms of bladder cancer (2024)

FAQs

Symptoms of bladder cancer? ›

The most common symptom is blood in the urine, called hematuria. It's often slightly rusty to bright red in color. You may see blood in your urine at one point, then not see it again for a while. Sometimes there are very small amounts of blood in the urine that can only be found by having a test done.

The most common symptom is blood in the urine, called hematuria. It's often slightly rusty to bright red in color. You may see blood in your urine at one point, then not see it again for a while. Sometimes there are very small amounts of blood in the urine that can only be found by having a test done.

Early bladder cancer symptoms can be difficult to recognize, but some common symptoms include: Blood in urine, which may appear orange, pink or rarely, dark red. Change in bladder habits such as increased frequency or urgency of urination. Pain or burning sensation during urination.

Symptoms if bladder cancer has spread to your bones

The most common symptom if cancer has spread to the bone is bone pain. It is usually there most of the time and can wake you up at night. The pain can be a dull ache or stabbing pain.

Pain in flank, the section of the back between the ribs and the hip bone. Painful urination. Frequent urination. Urinary hesitancy, or difficulty beginning to urinate.

For most people, the first symptom of bladder cancer is blood in the urine, also called hematuria.

Symptoms of advanced bladder cancer

Being unable to urinate. Lower back pain on one side. Loss of appetite and weight loss. Feeling tired or weak.

Even after reporting the problem to their doctors, blood in the urine may be initially misdiagnosed. It may be seen as a symptom of post-menopausal bleeding, simple cystitis or a urinary tract infection. As a result, a bladder cancer diagnosis can be overlooked for a year or more.

What are the symptoms of stage 3 bladder cancer? ›

The most efficient, noninvasive and inexpensive test is a urinalysis/cytology. Here, a sample of urine is taken from the patient and evaluated for cancer cells, red and white blood cells (which fight urinary tract infections), and microscopic hematuria or infection.

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.

Bladder cancer symptoms are usually clear and easy to notice. If any of these symptoms are present, it may be worth making an appointment to see a doctor: Blood in the urine, frequent urination, painful urination or back pain.

Other symptoms of advanced bladder cancer may include pain in the back or pelvis, unexplained appetite loss, and weight loss. If you are concerned about any changes you experience, please talk with your doctor.

Where can bladder cancer spread to? Not all bladder cancers will spread. But If it does it's most likely to spread to the structures close to the bladder, such as the ureters, urethra, prostate, vagin*, or into the pelvis. This is called local spread.

In most cases, blood in the urine (called hematuria) is the first sign of bladder cancer. There may be enough blood to change the color of the urine to orange, pink, or, less often, dark red.

Even after reporting the problem to their doctors, blood in the urine may be initially misdiagnosed. It may be seen as a symptom of post-menopausal bleeding, simple cystitis or a urinary tract infection. As a result, a bladder cancer diagnosis can be overlooked for a year or more.

Can bladder cancer go undetected for years? If symptoms such as blood in the urine and changes in urinary habits are ignored by an individual and/or repeatedly misdiagnosed, it's possible that bladder cancer may not be detected for months or, in some cases, even years.