Bladder cancer often produces noticeable symptoms, such as bloody urine. If enough blood is present, the urine may appear brown, dark red, orange or pink in color. Even if the urine does not change color, the presence of a small amount of blood can be detected through a urinalysis, a simple test that is typically included as part of a routine physical examination.
With that said, blood in the urine is not a definitive sign of bladder cancer. In fact, it more often indicates a less serious condition, such as infection, kidney stones, bladder stones or benign kidney disease. Even so, it’s important to identify the cause of bloody urine so it can be treated, if necessary.
Bladder Cancer Can Cause Changes in Urination
In addition to blood in the urine, bladder cancer may cause urinary changes, such as:
- Pain or burning sensations during urination
- A need to urinate more frequently than usual
- Urinary urgency, even when the bladder is not full
- A weak urine stream
- A need to urinate many times during the night
Much like bloody urine, however, these symptoms are more likely to have other causes, such as a urinary tract infection, overactive bladder or enlarged prostate (in men).
Symptoms of Advanced Bladder Cancer
As a bladder tumor grows or spreads to other parts of the body, it may cause additional symptoms, such as:
- An inability to urinate
- Lower back pain on one side of the body
- Loss of appetite
- Unintended weight loss
- Overwhelming fatigue
- Bone pain
- Swelling in the feet
In addition to bladder cancer, these symptoms can have other causes as well. If bladder cancer is suspected, a physician will recommend appropriate diagnostic testing, which may include imaging, a urine cytology, a cystoscopy or a biopsy.
Medically Reviewed by,Scott Gilbert, MD, Department of Genitourinary Oncology.
If you’d like to discuss your bladder cancer symptoms with a specialist in the Urologic Oncology Program at Moffitt Cancer Center, you can request an appointment by calling 1-888-663-3488 or completing a new patient registration form online. We do not require referrals.
FAQs
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.
At what stage does bladder cancer cause pain? ›
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.
What is the red flag for bladder cancer? ›
Blood in the urine is the most common symptom of bladder cancer. Around 80 out of 100 people with bladder cancer (around 80%) have some blood in their urine. Doctors call blood in the urine haematuria (pronounced heem-at-you-ree-ah). You may see the blood in your urine.
What is end stage bladder cancer like? ›
If bladder cancer reaches an advanced stage and begins to spread, symptoms can include: pelvic pain. bone pain. unintentional weight loss.
What is the biggest symptom 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.
What hurts when you have bladder cancer? ›
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.
How do you know if bladder cancer has metastasized? ›
It's not uncommon for bladder cancer to metastasize to the lungs, liver or bones. This can cause pain and other symptoms in distant parts of the body. In many cases, metastatic bladder cancer also causes general complications such as fatigue and weight loss.
What part of back hurts with bladder cancer? ›
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.
Do you feel sick with bladder cancer? ›
Bladder cancers that have grown large or have spread to other parts of the body can sometimes cause other symptoms, such as: Being unable to urinate. Lower back pain on one side. Loss of appetite and weight loss.
Where is bladder cancer pain located? ›
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.
What is the new test for bladder cancer? ›
Cxbladder provides greater confidence, reducing the need for further invasive procedures. Cxbladder Detect is a test designed to rule out urothelial bladder cancer in those experiencing blood in urine (hematuria).
How long can you live with advanced bladder cancer? ›
If the cancer extends through the bladder to the surrounding tissue or has spread to nearby lymph nodes or organs, the five-year survival rate is 39%. If the cancer has spread to distant parts of the body, the five-year survival rate is 8%. About 4% of people are diagnosed at this stage.
How long do you have to live with stage 4 bladder cancer? ›
If bladder cancer has spread to the regional lymph nodes, the 5-year survival rate is 39.2%. If it has spread to a distant site, the 5-year survival rate is 8.3%.
How quick does bladder cancer progress? ›
Bladder cancer spreads at different speeds depending on the type of bladder cancer you have. Urothelial bladder cancer is slow to spread, while other types are much faster. Urothelial bladder cancer is the most common type of bladder cancer. It typically doesn't spread very quickly.
