Can you have bladder cancer for years and not know it?
Even after reporting the problem to their doctors, blood in the urine may be initially misdiagnosed. It may be seen as a symptom of post-menopausal bleeding, simple cystitis or as a urinary tract infection. As a result, a bladder cancer diagnosis can be overlooked for a year or more.
Does bladder cancer hurt all the time?
When it’s in its earliest stages, bladder cancer doesn’t usually cause much pain. Some people have no pain whatsoever, while others may experience pain or burning when they urinate. Blood in the urine, either microscopic or visible to the naked eye, is commonly the first sign of bladder cancer.
What are the warning signs of bladder cancer?
Changes in bladder habits or symptoms of irritation
- Having to urinate more often than usual.
- Pain or burning during urination.
- Feeling as if you need to go right away, even when your bladder isn’t full.
- Having trouble urinating or having a weak urine stream.
- Having to get up to urinate many times during the night.
Does bladder cancer spread fast?
While it does not invade the tissues, these are usually “high grade” and have the potential to spread quickly. All bladder cancers can become invasive, so treatment is very important.
How do you rule out bladder cancer?
Urinalysis: One way to test for bladder cancer is to check for blood in the urine ( hematuria). This can be done during a urinalysis, which is a simple test to check for blood and other substances in a sample of urine. This test is sometimes done as part of a general health check-up.
Does bladder cancer show up in blood work?
Tests to diagnose bladder cancer
If bladder cancer is suspected, these tests may be performed to diagnose the disease: Physical exam. Blood test: Blood samples are used to measure certain substances released into the blood by organs and tissues in the body.
Is bladder cancer curable if caught early?
What are the most common treatments for bladder cancer? Bladder cancer is highly treatable when it is diagnosed in the early stages.