Symptoms and Diagnosis of Bladder Cancer
Bladder cancer forms in the cells of the lining of the urinary bladder. Depending on the type of cell affected, it may be transitional cell, squamous cell or adenocarcinoma. The main goal at the Siteman Cancer Center is to get a correct diagnosis of your condition and decide on the proper treatment. Specialists at Siteman excel in using technology and their experience to make an accurate diagnosis, often down to the genetic level so the best treatment options may be identified.
Estimate your risk for bladder cancer.
Symptoms of Bladder Cancer
- Urgency and frequency of urination.
- Blood in the urine (slightly rusty to bright red in color).
- Frequent urination.
- Pain during urination.
- Lower back pain.
These symptoms are similar to those experienced during a bladder or urinary tract infection.
Staging of Bladder Cancer
Staging defines the extent of the cancer either locally in the bladder or advanced to other areas. Grading defines how aggressive the tumor is. Stage and grade are important factors in treatment options.
Prognosis
The prognosis (chance of recovery) depends on the following:
- The stage of the cancer: localized or metastatic.
- Grade of cancer: type of cells and how they look under a microscope.
- Whether there is cancer in other parts of the bladder.
- The patient’s age and general health.
If the cancer is superficial, prognosis also depends on how many tumors there are, the size of the tumors and whether the tumor has come back after treatment.
Bladder cancer in the early stages can often be cured. Clinical trials are a good option for getting the latest treatment.