5 warning signs of bladder cancer (symptoms and causes, and how to recognize them)

Bladder cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the bladder. They’re usually diagnosed as transitional cell carcinomas.

It can manifest in different forms, and the prognosis and the treatment depend on various factors, including the stage of the cancer.

Before getting into the 5 warning signs of bladder cancer, let’s see what a bladder is and what are its functions.

What is the bladder

The bladder is a subperitoneal hollow muscular organ located in the lesser pelvis. It is part of the urinary system and is connected to the kidneys through two tubes called ureters. Its function is to serve as a reservoir for urine. When it is full, it extends into the domina cavity. It can hold up to 500 milliliters of urine.

The bladder is an organ under voluntary control, and so the person can initiate or inhibit the flow of urine consciously. When urinating, the internal urethral sphincter relaxes and detrusor muscle contracts, while the urine gets expelled through the urethra.

Bladder cancer

Bladder cancer is a common type of cancer that starts in the bladder’s cells, called urothelial cells, which can also be found in the kidneys and the ureters. Thus, urothelial cancer can also affect those organs, but it’s way more common in the bladder.

At its early stage, bladder cancer can be treated easily, but there’s the possibility that it may come back even after a successful treatment. For this reason, people who were affected by bladder cancer need to undergo follow-up tests for years.

Types of bladder cancer include the urothelial carcinoma, the squamous carcinoma and the adenocarcinoma.

Urothelial carcinoma occurs in the cells that line the inside of the bladder. These cells expand when the bladder is full and contract when it is empty. This one is the most common type of bladder cancer.
Squamous cell carcinoma is associated with chronic irritation of the bladder (which can be caused by infections or long-term use of a urinary catheter). This type of cancer is more common in parts of the World where schistosomiasis (a specific parasitic infection) is a common cause of bladder infections.
Adenocarcinoma starts in the cells that make up mucus-secreting glands in the bladder. This one is the most rare type of bladder cancer.

Let’s see what are the 5 warning signs of bladder cancer.

1. Blood in the urine (hematuria)

The first of the 5 warning signs of bladder cancer is hematuria, also known as blood in the urine. Not all cases of hematuria are a sign of bladder cancer, though. Sometimes it is indicative of infections or kidney stones.

In the case of bladder cancer, hematuria has a specific color and thus is visible to the naked eye. The urine appears pink, red, or cola-colored. This is referred to as “gross hematuria”.

Hematuria associated with bladder cancer is typically painless.

2. Frequent urination

Frequent urination is another symptom that can be associated with bladder cancer, more specifically with a more advanced stage of the disease. Usually the tumor grows so much that it starts affecting the bladder’s capacity to hold urine.

Of course, it’s important to note that frequent urination alone isn’t a definitive sign of bladder cancer.

In fact, frequent urination is generally more commonly associated with other conditions such as urinary tract infections, overactive bladder, diabetes, benign prostatic hyperplasia (in men). In addition, psychological factors such as anxiety can also contribute to increased urination frequency.

3. Change in the urinary habits

Generally, any change in the urinary habits can be a sign of bladder cancer.

In fact, bladder cancer can lead to obstruction or blockage in the urinary tract, making it difficult for the bladder to empty completely. This can lead to a sensation of incomplete emptying, or the need to force the urination process.

Bladder cancer can also affect the normal flow of the urine, changing the strength, the consistency, and/or the direction of the urinary stream.

4. Pain or discomfort during urination (dysuria)

While not as common as other urinary symptoms, bladder cancer can cause pain or a burning sensation during urination. This symptom is more often associated with other urinary tract infections.

Pain or discomfort during urination may occur in advanced stages of bladder cancer, when the tumor has invaded the surrounding tissues or organs, leading to irritation.

5. Lower back pain

The fifth and last of the 5 warning signs of bladder cancer is lower back pain. It is not often associated whit early symptoms of bladder cancer, but rather with a more advanced stage.

Lower back pain is a nonspecific symptom, meaning that it isn’t necessarily exclusively associated with bladder cancer, but can be a sign of many other conditions unrelated to cancer, such as spinal issues, muscle strain, herniated discs or kidney problems. It’s always important to consider other potential causes before self-diagnosing bladder cancer.

Lower back pain occurs in advanced stages of bladder cancer, when the tumor has invaded the surrounding tissues or organs. This leads to nerve compression or inflammation, causing pain in the lower back.

Causes of bladder cancer

The exact cause of bladder cancer has not been discovered yet, although there are several known risk factors that can increase the chances of developing this type of cancer. It’s likely that both genetic and environmental factors can contribute to its development.

Smoking tobacco is one of the risk factors for bladder cancer, because the chemicals in tobacco smoke (like aromatic amines) can be absorbed into the bloodstream and excreted in the urine, potentially leading to damages in the lining of the bladder.
A family history of bladder cancer may contribute to an increased risk, meaning that it could be a genetic component.
Chemical exposure is another possible factor. These include industrial chemicals used in industries related to dye manufacturing, rubber, leather, textiles, and printing.
Age and gender are also related to this type of disease. In fact, the risk increases with age, and it is more common in men than in women, although women with a history of chronic urinary tract infections may also have an increased risk.
In fact, chronic bladder inflammation is another risk factor. Chronic urinary tract infections and long-term inflammation of the bladder may increase the chances of developing this type of cancer.

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