The bladder, situated in the pelvic region, specifically is a muscular, balloon-shaped, and hollow organ. As urine forms in the kidneys, it is stored in the bladder prior to it leaving the body through the urethra. Bladder cancer in the tissues of the urinary bladder typically refers to malignant growth/tumors.
The general form of bladder cancer begins in the inner lining of the bladder cells (transitional cell carcinoma). The other forms include squamous cell carcinoma, in which the cancer is small, cancer begins with flat cells lining inside the bladder, and adenocarcinoma in the cells that releases mucus.
Symptoms of Bladder Cancer
Urine Blood (Hematuria): Urine Blood (Hematuria) is the most common symptom and typically the initial sign of a cancer alarm. It is usually painless and, depending on the level of blood in the urine, the urine may appear light pink, brown or red (rarely). Blood is often hard to see, and urine may seem clear, but urinalysis may find small levels of blood (urine test). After the initial sighting, the blood can also vanish for weeks.
Changes in Urinary Pattern: Regular (typically more than usual) urination, pain when urinating, burning sensation, sudden urges to urinate even though the bladder is not full.
These are the initial symptoms (early stage) of bladder cancer and can correlate with signs/symptoms of other conditions, such as Bladder Stones, Urinary Tract Infection, Kidney Stones, or Male Prostate Enlargement. In all cases, however, one must visit the health specialist for a check-up.
Advance Stages Symptoms
- Pelvic Pain
- Being Unable to Urinate
- Swelling in the Feet
- Bone Pain
- Unintentional Weight Loss
- Smoking
- Gender
- Genetic and Family History
- Chronic Bladder Infection
- Metal Toxins in Water
- Chemical Exposure
- Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy Secondary Disease
- Urinalysis
- Cytology of Urine
- Cystoscopy
- Biopsy
- Imaging Scans (CT Scanning, The MRI, Ultrasonics, Scan of Bone, X-ray procedure)
