Bladder carcinoma is a form of cancer that originates in your bladder (your body's receptacle for urine). An abnormal growth of cells usually forms on the inner lining of your bladder. Some risk factors for developing bladder carcinoma include smoking, a history of radiation or chemotherapy, chronic kidney infections and a personal or family history of bladder cancer. Bladder carcinoma is usually found in people 65 years and older, but it can also occur in younger people. There are many symptoms that exist to help you recognize bladder carcinoma.
Bloody Urine
Bloody urine, medically called hematuria, is a common symptom of bladder carcinoma. The National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NKUDIC) states that hematuria occurs because there are red blood cells in your urine. Sometimes, this hematuria is microscopic and only a urine analysis can detect the presence of blood. Oftentimes, bladder cancer sufferers have gross hematuria, where the urine appears red or cola-like.
Urinary Changes
Medline Plus states that bladder carcinoma can cause urinary pain, frequency and urgency. You may feel a painful discomfort or burning sensation when urinating. Frequent urination involves urinating more often than you normally would and urgency refers to having the sudden need to urinate even at inappropriate times.
Other Symptoms
Bladder carcinoma can make you susceptible to urinary tract infections. Symptoms include painful urination and flank pain that may radiate to your groin. When you lose blood in your urine, you can develop anemia (a condition of low red blood cells characterized by fatigue and pale skin). Medline Plus indicates that you may also experience unintentional weight loss, fatigue and stomach pain.
