In the United States, over 60,000 people develop bladder cancer each year, according to health officials with the University of Michigan Health System. Cancerous cell growth within the bladder--a small internal organ responsible for storing urine--can cause a number of signs and symptoms in affected patients, which require attention from a medical professional as soon as possible.
Back or Abdominal Pain
The bladder is located within the lower abdominal region beneath the digestive tract. Inflammation caused by cancer cell growth within this organ can cause painful sensations to develop in the lower abdomen of patients with bladder cancer. Sensations of pain can radiate from the front of the body to the lower back in certain patients. The severity of abdominal or back pain due to bladder cancer can vary from mild to severe, depending upon the extent of cancerous cell growth. Patients who experience chronic, severe or sudden back or abdominal pain should seek medical care immediately. These symptoms of bladder cancer can also be signs of alternate medical problems, such as prostate cancer or appendicitis.
Blood in the Urine
Cancer cells can irritate the internal wall of the bladder, causing red blood cells and tissue to abnormally enter urine stored in this organ. If this occurs, patients with bladder cancer can develop blood within the urine as a sign of this disease, reports the Merck Manual, an online medical encyclopedia for patients and caregivers. Blood that enters the urine can cause this bodily fluid to appear discolored or cloudy. These urine changes can be indicative of alternate infections, such as a urinary tract infection, and should be discussed with a doctor as soon as possible.
Painful, Difficult or Urgent Urination
Irritation and inflammation of the bladder due to cancerous cell growth can interfere with a patient's ability to urinate normally. If this occurs, patients with bladder cancer may experience unusually painful or frequent urination, explain health officials with the National Cancer Institute. Affected patients may need to go to the bathroom more often than usual, but may be unable to produce urine. These uncomfortable bladder cancer symptoms can be irritating and may also signal an infection of the urinary tract. Patients who develop urination complications for any reason should seek further evaluation and care from a medical professional.
References
- National Cancer Institute: What You Need To Know About Bladder Cancer - Symptoms
- University of Michigan Health System: The Silent Killer - Recognizing The Early Warning Signs of Bladder Cancer
- Columbia University Medical Center: Bladder Cancer - Risk Factors and Warning Signs
- The Merck Manual: Bladder Cancer
- MayoClinic.com: Bladder Cancer - Symptoms
