Bladder cancer is the sixth most common type of cancer in the United States. It is a severe condition that can be both physically and emotionally challenging for those affected. As it happens with all types of cancer and other chronic diseases, early detection and proper treatment are essential for the best outcome.
While there are many signs and symptoms associated with bladder cancer, it can be difficult to diagnose in some cases. Knowing the prognosis and available treatment options can help patients make informed decisions about their care. This article will provide a brief overview of everything patients need to know about this condition.
What is bladder cancer?
Bladder cancer is a type of malignant growth that occurs in the bladder, a hollow organ in the urinary system that collects and stores urine. It is the sixth most common cancer in the United States and is most often diagnosed in males over the age of 55. However, both males and females can be diagnosed, and the usual age of diagnosis starts at 50 years.
Bladder cancer is not the most aggressive type of cancer. However, it is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms to suspect the disease if you’re a high risk patient. This article will give you several ways to recognize bladder cancer and know what the treatment is about.
Signs and symptoms
Signs and symptoms of bladder cancer can include blood in the urine, frequent urination, painful urination, and pelvic pain.
1) Blood in the urine
Bleeding symptoms are common in many types of cancer. This happens because cancer cells stimulate the growth of new blood vessels to nourish the growing tumor. As the tumor keeps growing, these blood vessels become fragile and prone to bleeding.
Patients who experience bloody urine are not in an early stage of the disease. Thus, they should be diagnosed and treated promptly. Other ailments may also cause blood in the urine, including kidney stones and urinary infections. These should be ruled out before thinking about a severe diagnosis such as bladder cancer.
