5 Often-Missed Warning Signs of Bladder Cancer You Need to Know

Bladder cancer, characterized by the formation of cancerous cells within the bladder tissues, is more prevalent in males over the age of 55. While blood in the urine is widely recognized as a primary symptom, it's not always present. Recognizing subtle, less obvious signs can be crucial for early detection. Here are five such symptoms that warrant attention, though they are not definitive indicators of the disease.

1. Increased Frequency of Urination

An early warning sign can be an unusual need to urinate frequently. This might manifest as needing to visit the restroom more often than usual, even without increased fluid intake, or experiencing a sudden, intense urge to urinate even when the bladder isn't full. This symptom, easily mistaken for a urinary tract infection or an overactive bladder, can mask the underlying bladder cancer.

If these changes persist for weeks or are accompanied by other symptoms, a medical evaluation is essential to identify potential irritations or growths within the bladder.

2. Pain or Burning Sensation During Urination

Discomfort or a burning sensation while urinating may also point to bladder cancer. While often attributed to common infections like UTIs, this symptom can arise from inflammation or irritation of the bladder lining caused by cancerous cells.

Unlike typical UTIs that respond well to antibiotics, pain linked to bladder cancer may linger or recur after treatment. If painful urination occurs alongside other symptoms such as blood in the urine or increased urinary frequency, seeking medical advice becomes imperative.

3. Persistent Urge to Urinate Despite Empty Bladder

Bladder cancer can trigger the sensation of needing to urinate immediately, even when the bladder is nearly empty. This frustrating sensation persists even after using the restroom. As with frequent urination, this can be mistaken for a UTI.

This phenomenon arises because tumors or abnormal growths in the bladder can irritate nerves or diminish bladder capacity, sending misleading signals to the brain. If this feeling persists or worsens, prompt evaluation is crucial to identify potential bladder abnormalities, including cancer.

4. Lower Back or Pelvic Pain

While early-stage bladder cancer might not induce pain, the disease's progression can lead to discomfort or aching in the lower back or pelvic region. This pain is often described as dull and persistent, potentially being mistaken for muscle strain or other prevalent conditions.

Pain in these areas may signify that the cancer has infiltrated deeper into the bladder wall or surrounding tissues. Unexplained lower back or pelvic pain, particularly when accompanied by urinary symptoms, should not be disregarded.

5. Subtle Changes in Urine Color

Although visible blood in the urine is a well-known sign, the urine may appear normal while still containing small amounts of blood detectable only through lab tests. This condition, known as microscopic hematuria, can manifest as a slight discoloration rather than a distinct pink or red hue.

Due to the absence of obvious signs, microscopic blood in the urine often goes unnoticed unless a urine test is performed for other reasons. Individuals with risk factors such as smoking, exposure to harmful chemicals, or a family history of bladder cancer should consider regular urine tests to facilitate early detection of these concealed indicators.

Sources:

Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, The National Cancer Institute