VERIFIED CONTENTAuthor: Klaudia Kierzkowska, graduate of chemistry at the University of Warsaw

Bladder cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers in the elderly. Unfortunately, in most cases the disease is detected too late, when the chances of a cure are slim. What are the first symptoms of the disease? What should you pay attention to?

Bladder canceris diagnosed mainly in men over 50 - men account for as much as 75 percent. patients. In Poland, bladder cancer is the fifth most common malignant neoplasm in men, and 14 in women. The most important point of treatment is the earliest possible diagnosis of the disease, which gives a chance for complete recovery without recurrence. Bladder cancer develops insidiously and its symptoms are often confused with cystitis. What should pay attention to? Which signals should not be underestimated?

First symptoms of bladder cancer - hematuria

Haematuria is one of the early symptoms of bladder cancer - it occurs in as much as 85% of patients. sick. It can be recurrent or permanent.

The color of the urine with the blood present in it should be the first sign of anxiety, prompting a visit to the doctor. In some cases, the amount of blood in the urine is so small that it does not change its color. Blood is detectable by urinalysis.

First symptoms of bladder cancer - pollakiuria

A characteristic, but less frequent symptom of bladder cancer is pollakiuria and a feeling of pressure on the bladder. Patients use the toilet much more often than before, even at night.

Changing the mode of urination is most often underestimated and does not prompt a medical consultation. This is a big mistake!

First symptoms of bladder cancer - pain

An additional symptom of bladder cancer - which may or may not be - is:

  • soreness when urinating,
  • pain in the lower abdomen
  • and pain in the lumbar region.

Pain most often goes away after some time after urinating and reappears during the next visit to the toilet.

Symptoms in the advanced stage of the disease

Wadvanced bladder cancer, regionally enlarged lymph nodes and lower limb edema may appear. Patients complain of bone pain that indicates distant metastases.

Remember!

Bladder cancer develops insidiously, without any specific symptoms. Thus, very often all symptoms are identified with other, less dangerous non-oncological diseases, e.g. cystitis. It is rare for a person to link their symptoms to their developing cancer.

If disturbing signals appear, contact your doctor, who will order ultrasound of the abdominal cavity and pelvis with a properly filled bladder and urine sediment cytology.

An important stage of diagnostics is the evaluation of the ureters and the calicopelvic systems. Malignant neoplasm of the bladder is often multifocal.

Category:

Oncology