In 2009, over 70,000 people in the United States were diagnosed with bladder cancer, according to estimates provided by the National Cancer Institute. Bladder cancer is a form of cancer in which cancerous tumors grow along the bladder, an organ within the body that holds urine. Patients who develop any cancer of the bladder symptoms should seek additional care from a medical professional as soon as possible.
Blood in the Urine
Cancerous cell growth within the bladder can inflame and irritate the sensitive bladder lining. When this occurs, tissue within the bladder can begin to bleed. As a result, patients with bladder cancer can develop blood within the urine--a condition called hematuria--as a symptom of this disease, explains the American Cancer Society. Patients may notice that their urine appears unusually dark or discolored due to the presence of blood. Hematuria can be a sign of alternate medical problems, such as a urinary tract infection, and should be reported to a doctor as soon as possible.
Pain During Urination
Inflammation caused by the presence of cancerous cells or tumors within the bladder can extend into the urethra, the small, narrow tube that carries urine out of the body. If this occurs, patients with bladder cancer can experience sensations of burning or pain during urination as a symptom of this condition. Painful urination can be uncomfortable and should be discussed with a medical professional immediately, as this bladder cancer symptom can also be a sign of alternate health issues.
Increased Urination
Cancerous cell growth can irritate the bladder, causing affected patients to experience increased urination as a symptom of bladder cancer, reports the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network. Frequent, urgent urination can be uncomfortable, irritating and disruptive to patients and may be accompanied by urinary pain. These cancer of the bladder symptoms are also signs of a urinary tract infection and require further evaluation and care from a medical professional.
Abdominal Pain
The bladder is located inside the body within the lower region of the abdomen. When cancer cells or tumors grow within this organ, affected patients can experience lower abdominal or pelvic pain as symptoms of this disease, explains MedlinePlus, a health information website supported by the National Institutes of Health. Patients who experience persistent or severe abdominal pain should seek additional care from a physician.
Fatigue or Weight Loss
Patients with bladder cancer can experience extreme fatigue or weight loss as symptoms of this form of cancer, according to MedlinePlus. These symptoms can affect a patient's ability to remain energized throughout the day and may be accompanied by a decreased appetite. Severe or persistent unexplained fatigue or weight loss should be discussed with a medical professional.
