Stage IV bladder cancer is generally treated from a palliative standpoint, making the maintenance of symptoms a priority rather than implementaing curative measures. According to the National Cancer Alliance, a stage IV diagnosis has a poor prognosis, making the objective in care to keep the patient comfortable, pain-free and focused on improving quality of life.
Urinary Tract Disorders
Bladder cancer is often diagnosed well into the initial stages, whereas most individuals complain of symptoms related to urinary tract disorders. These disorders can include blood in the urine, painful urination, increased frequency of urination, incontinence and sudden urgencies to urinate. MedlinePlus states that these symptoms do not always indicate bladder cancer, however they are present in those who do have this disease. This may, according to the National Cancer Institute, create a need for urinary diversion. Urinary diversion is a catheterization process that draws the urine from the body and empties it into a bag.
Pain Symptoms
Individuals in stage IV bladder cancer usually exhibit some form of pain, whether it is abdominal, bone or an overall tenderness. Disease and tumor progression into other organs, tissues and lymph nodes may also create pain symptoms. The National Cancer Institute suggests that while radiation and chemotherapy treatments may be painful on their own, the shrinkage of tumors can alleviate the pressure they place on other systems, providing considerable relief. Back pain, if reported, can be indicative of kidney failure.
Fatigue
Fatigue is a common symptom in all cancers. The immune system has been seriously compromised and this carries over into other bodily functions. Patients with stage IV bladder cancer can exhibit fatigue with accompanying weight loss, anemia and depleted energy stores. MedlinePlus further suggests that fatigue may or may not accompany exertion signals such as chest pain and shortness of breath. Some oncologists recommend the use of biological therapies for fatigue, as these methods employ immune system boosts and nutritional nourishment to stimulate the individual's own immune response.
