Bladder cancer is a very serious disease. While treatments are available, early diagnosis is essential for eliminating the disease from your body and receiving the best possible prognosis. Keeping an eye out for key signs and symptoms of bladder cancer is the best way to ensure you receive an early and accurate diagnosis.
Definition
Bladder cancer is a disease that causes tumors to grow in the bladder, in the bladder's lining or in surrounding muscles, lymph nodes or in nearby organs such as the uterus, prostate or intestines. One of the key causes of this disease is cigarette smoking. Though the tumors can often be removed, bladder cancer can lead to bladder removal, an impaired lifestyle or even death if not treated promptly.
Urgency & Frequency
The most common effects bladder cancer has on the body are urinary urgency and frequency. Urgency occurs when you feel as though you need to urinate very badly, all of a sudden. Urinary frequency, on the other hand, just means that you must urinate often, even if only a small amount is expelled from the body. These symptoms are signs of less serious conditions as well like urinary tract infections, so an accurate diagnosis from your doctor is essential.
Pain or Burning During Urination
Another sign of bladder cancer is pain or burning during urination. This effect can be caused by a variety of conditions, from STDs to a simple infection. However, only a diagnosis from your doctor can rule out bladder cancer. This pain often feels as if your bladder muscles are spasming or squeezing extra hard, trying to force urine from the body. This causes a stabbing and burning pain that may last only while urinating or may persist for some time.
Abnormal Urine
Changes in your urine's appearance or odor are also signs that you may have bladder cancer. It may look cloudy or very yellow as though it's super concentrated. It may also have a pink tinge if blood is present. When you wipe after urinating, drops of blood may appear on the toilet paper. A foul odor is also common. Any changes in your urine should be noted to your doctor.
Incontinence
Incontinence is another effect of bladder cancer. It often goes along with urinary urgency and frequency, as previously mentioned. When you suddenly feel as though you need to urinate, the urge can be uncontrollable. The bladder may spasm, causing you to expel urine when not in the bathroom. This can be extremely embarrassing and dramatically effect your lifestyle.
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