What are the early symptoms of bladder cancer

Early symptoms of bladder cancer include hematuria, frequent urination, urgency, and painful urination, so you should seek medical attention immediately. Early symptoms of bladder cancer may be similar to those of infection or stones, but you should be alert if they persist. Hematuria is the most common symptom and may be accompanied by frequent urination, urgency, or painful urination.

1. Hematuria: Hematuria is the most common early symptom of bladder cancer. It is usually painless and occurs intermittently. The urine may appear pink, red, or brown. Hematuria may be caused by a tumor rupture or erosion of blood vessels. If hematuria is found, especially painless hematuria, you should see a doctor immediately for urinalysis and imaging examinations.

2. Frequent and urgent urination: Bladder cancer may reduce bladder capacity or irritate the bladder wall, causing frequent and urgent urination. Patients may feel the need to urinate frequently, but the amount of urine each time is small. This situation is similar to a urinary tract infection, but the infection is usually accompanied by fever and painful urination, while bladder cancer may have no other obvious symptoms.

3. Painful urination: Bladder cancer may cause discomfort or pain during urination, especially if the tumor is located near the bladder neck or urethra. The pain may feel like burning or stinging, similar to the symptoms of a urinary tract infection or stones. If urinary pain persists or worsens, a cystoscopy should be performed to rule out the possibility of a tumor.

4. Other symptoms: Some patients may experience non-specific symptoms such as lower abdominal pain, back pain, or weight loss. These symptoms may be caused by tumor spread or compression of surrounding tissues. If accompanied by hematuria or other urinary system symptoms, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible for detailed examination.

Early diagnosis of bladder cancer is crucial, and it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly when the above symptoms occur. Doctors may diagnose through urine analysis, cystoscopy, imaging tests such as ultrasound, CT or MRI, etc. Early detection and treatment can significantly improve cure and survival rates. Regular physical examinations and paying attention to changes in the body are the key to preventing and early detection of bladder cancer.