For most people, the first symptom of bladder cancer is blood in the urine, also called hematuria. Sometimes the blood is visible, prompting the patient to visit a doctor. Other times, blood is microscopic and is only discovered during either a routine lab test or one that was ordered after the patient reported other urinary symptoms.
The following irritative urination symptoms are also associated with bladder cancer, though it’s important to know that these also can be present in a variety of benign urologic conditions, like a urinary tract infection or benign prostatic hyperplasia:
- Pain
- Burning
- Frequent urination
- Incomplete emptying of the bladder
- Passage of tissue fragments in urine (less frequent than other symptoms)
The presence of one or all of these signs does not mean you have cancer, but you should be seen by a physician, as these are abnormal bodily functions. Sometimes those diagnosed with bladder cancer do not experience any bleeding or pain. That’s why routine screening and physicals are very important.
Answers to Common Questions About Bladder Cancer
Understand the basics of bladder cancer, from risk factors and diagnosis to the various treatment and urinary diversion options available. Armine Smith, M.D., a surgeon at the Johns Hopkins Greenberg Bladder Cancer Institute, tells you what you need to know.
FAQs
The most common symptom is blood in the urine, called hematuria. It's often slightly rusty to bright red in color. You may see blood in your urine at one point, then not see it again for a while. Sometimes there are very small amounts of blood in the urine that can only be found by having a test done.
At what stage does bladder cancer cause pain? ›
Symptoms if bladder cancer has spread to your bones
The most common symptom if cancer has spread to the bone is bone pain. It is usually there most of the time and can wake you up at night. The pain can be a dull ache or stabbing pain.
What can be mistaken for bladder cancer? ›
Bladder Cancer is a heterogeneous disease; the main symptom is painless hematuria. However, patients with Bladder Cancer may initially be misdiagnosed as Cystitis or infection, and cystoscopy alone may sometimes be misdiagnosed as urolithiasis or Cystitis, thereby delaying medical attention.
What is the red flag for bladder cancer? ›
Blood in the urine is the most common symptom of bladder cancer. Around 80 out of 100 people with bladder cancer (around 80%) have some blood in their urine. Doctors call blood in the urine haematuria (pronounced heem-at-you-ree-ah). You may see the blood in your urine.
What hurts when you have bladder cancer? ›
Pain in flank, the section of the back between the ribs and the hip bone. Painful urination. Frequent urination. Urinary hesitancy, or difficulty beginning to urinate.
What is the most common first symptom of a malignant tumor of the bladder? ›
For most people, the first symptom of bladder cancer is blood in the urine, also called hematuria.
What part of back hurts with bladder cancer? ›
Back pain. Pain may start in your pelvic region, but as it worsens, you may feel pain that radiates into your lower back. Back pain associated with bladder cancer is often felt on one side of the body. You may also experience pain you feel in your bones.
Do you feel sick with bladder cancer? ›
Bladder cancers that have grown large or have spread to other parts of the body can sometimes cause other symptoms, such as: Being unable to urinate. Lower back pain on one side. Loss of appetite and weight loss.
Where is bladder cancer pain located? ›
Other symptoms of advanced bladder cancer may include pain in the back or pelvis, unexplained appetite loss, and weight loss. If you are concerned about any changes you experience, please talk with your doctor.
What does bladder cancer pee look like? ›
Bladder cancer signs and symptoms may include: Blood in urine (hematuria), which may cause urine to appear bright red or cola colored, though sometimes the urine appears normal and blood is detected on a lab test.
Even after reporting the problem to their doctors, blood in the urine may be initially misdiagnosed. It may be seen as a symptom of post-menopausal bleeding, simple cystitis or a urinary tract infection. As a result, a bladder cancer diagnosis can be overlooked for a year or more.
Can a doctor feel bladder cancer? ›
Your GP may want to examine you internally. They put a gloved finger into your back passage (rectum) or vagin*. This is to see if everything feels normal. The doctor can sometimes feel a bladder tumour during this type of examination.
At what stage does bladder cancer bleed? ›
Early, small bladder cancers cause blood only detected by lab analysis (microscopic hematuria), while larger tumors cause bleeding that can be seen with urination. Any blood in the urine should be discussed with your doctor and consider evaluation by a urologist. This bleeding may occur only once.
What are the symptoms of stage 3 bladder cancer? ›
Stage 3 bladder cancer symptoms
- inability to urinate.
- appetite loss.
- weight loss.
- lower back pain.
- weakness and fatigue.
- swelling of your feet.
- bone pain.
The first sign of bladder cancer is blood in the urine, which is painless for most people. In the early stages, this may be your only symptom, though some people don't experience it. Other symptoms include changes in bladder habits, frequent urinary infections, and pelvic or back pain, which might be on one side.
Where is the first place bladder cancer spreads? ›
Where can bladder cancer spread to? Not all bladder cancers will spread. But If it does it's most likely to spread to the structures close to the bladder, such as the ureters, urethra, prostate, vagin*, or into the pelvis. This is called local spread.
Which finding is an early indicator of bladder cancer? ›
In most cases, blood in the urine (called hematuria) is the first sign of bladder cancer. There may be enough blood to change the color of the urine to orange, pink, or, less often, dark red.
How long can you have bladder cancer before you know it? ›
Even after reporting the problem to their doctors, blood in the urine may be initially misdiagnosed. It may be seen as a symptom of post-menopausal bleeding, simple cystitis or a urinary tract infection. As a result, a bladder cancer diagnosis can be overlooked for a year or more.
