If you are worried that you may have bladder cancer, it is important to be aware of the common bladder cancer symptoms. After all, most of us can make the mistake of looking up our symptoms on Google, which means we can convince ourselves that we have cancer within just a few minutes. At the same time, however, there are some symptoms that are worrisome and you should seek medical attention if you experience them.
Learning About the Common Bladder Cancer Symptoms:
Cancer can affect various parts of the body. It happens when healthy cells start to rapidly multiply, meaning abnormal growth is present, which can then affect other tissues. Those tissues can then no longer function the way they should.
Nobody likes discussing the “C word”, but it is important for awareness about it to be raised, so that fewer people have to die from it. Additionally, because we live in such a polluted and toxic environment, the chance of developing any form of cancer is far greater than it ever was before. Bladder cancer is the fifth most common type of cancer nowadays, and the most common bladder cancer symptoms are:
- Passing blood in urine
- Experiencing pain in the general area of the bladder
- Feeling the need to urinate, but not passing any
- Burning feeling when passing urine
- Not being able to hold as much urine as before
None of these symptoms necessarily mean that the person who has them has cancer, however, not even if they are all experienced at the same time. It does mean that you may want to seek medical attention. A physician will likely start by examining the blood that is present in your urine, which may be visible with the naked eye, or at least through a microscope. The doctor may also conduct an IVP (intravenous pyelogram), whereby an iodine dye is injected and the bladder is then examined through an x-ray.
A cystoscope may also be used, which means a small tube is entered into the bladder through the urethra. This allows the doctor to see whether any abnormal growths are present. If anything is found, a CT scan will be used to determine whether these are cancerous, and whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
If you are diagnosed with bladder cancer, treatment will vary depending on the stage of the cancer, its location, your age, and your overall health. However, radiation therapy, biological therapy, chemotherapy, and surgery and the most common treatment options. As with all cancers, the earlier it is found the more likely it will be that it can be successfully treated. This is why it is so important to seek medical attention if you believe you have these common bladder cancer symptoms.
While the internet is a fantastic tool for information, it should never be used to diagnose yourself, nor to confirm that you do not have a certain illness. If you are worried, you must seek a professional opinion. In the vast majority of cases, they will be able to give you the peace of mind that you need.
