When it comes to looking for the early signs bladder cancer can be easier to search for than some other forms of cancer. Indeed, a number of cancers are difficult to spot because they do not become symptomatic until the later stages of the disease. Typically, most forms of bladder cancer will begin within the inner lining of the bladder, and many of these diseases can be caught early in patients. Also, treatments have been found to be highly successful when the illness has not yet spread.

Symptoms To Watch For:

When examining the early signs bladder cancer generally shows up first in urinary symptoms, such as blood in the urine. Indeed, many doctors and health experts find that hematuria, otherwise known as blood in the urine, makes up the first warning sign of bladder cancer. In some circumstances, there will be enough blood present to change the color of the urine completely to orange, pink, or even a darker red. Sometimes, however, although the color of the urine remains normal, small amounts of blood are found during urine tests.

One important thing to watch out for with the early signs bladder cancer patients may discover that blood is present in the urine one day, but absent the next, with clear periods that last for a number of weeks or months. However, a common factor in patients with bladder cancer is that the blood will reappear eventually.

Early Stages Of Bladder Cancer:

Typically, the earliest stages of bladder cancer may prompt the presence of blood in the urine, but often patients find that they do not suffer from any other signs, or instances of pain or discomfort. What's more, it's worth noting that blood located within the urine doesn't necessarily mean a person is suffering from bladder cancer. After all, most commonly, this symptom is caused by other issues such as an infection, a benign tumor, kidney or bladder stones, or other minor kidney diseases. Nevertheless, despite this, it is important to have the signs checked by your doctor as quickly as possible.

In some situations, bladder cancer can cause changes in urination such as having to urinate more frequently, experiencing burning or pain during urination, or feeling as though you need to go to the toilet urgently, even when your bladder isn't full. Once again, it is vital to note that all of these symptoms can be caused by a minor condition, such as bladder stones, an infection, an enlarged prostate, or an overactive bladder.

Signs Of Advanced Bladder Cancer:

Once you've come to terms with the symptoms of early bladder cancer, you may want to learn more about the more serious signs of advanced cancer. For example, when tumors or cancerous cells have grown large enough to cause significant discomfort, or have spread to other parts of the body, patients may experience an inability to urinate. Other signs include weight loss and loss of appetite, pain in the lower back towards one side, bone pain, and feet swelling.

If you have any reason to believe that you might have bladder cancer, speak to your doctor as early as possible to arrange for a medical examination.