The most common bladder cancer symptoms are painful urination which is increased in frequency and hematuria (presence of blood in the urine). Aside from these traces of blood in urine, urine color might range between brownish to dark reddish amber.
Upon noticing a considerable staining in the color of your urine, it is best to go and see your family doctor for medical diagnosis and medication. Also, you need to make a consultation with an urologist, a medical doctor who specializes in urinary tract infections as well as medical conditions such as bladder cancer.
Diagnosing Bladder Cancer Symptoms
Confirmation of bladder cancer symptoms will all begin with a complete physical exam of the abdomen and the pelvis in order to determine the potential existence of tumors or further abnormalities. This is done via vaginal or rectal examination.
Urinalysis will also be another diagnostic measure where in you will be instructed to provide a sample of your urine for laboratory tests. This will give important information on the red and white blood cells, cancer cells as well as other factors that may signify some more chemical abnormalities that could present as bladder cancer symptoms.
Additionally, intravenous pyelogram or IVP is utilized to provide images of the urinary bladder by utilizing of x-rays. With a particular dye which is injected into a vein, its route is followed until the dye joins the urine, passes through the urinary tract after which to the bladder. By using X-rays, visuals of the bladder and also the are taken as the dyed urine reaches the urinary bladder.
A minor surgery called a cystoscopy can also be performed by your urologist. A specialized tube placed on a light at the end also known as cystoscope will be inserted straight into the bladder all the way to the urethra, a tube that connects the urinary bladder to the sex organs. This makes it possible for the physician to view the bladder from the end of the inserted tube. At this point, the doctor can confirm and look at any irregularities or bladder cancer symptoms, presence of tumors in the surrounding area. By way of this minor operation, bladder tumors are sorted by stages through collection of tissue samples extracted from the tumor itself, then examination under a microscope. This method is known as biopsy. With the technoligical advancements today, there are micro-instruments available for use in diagnosis that could also be employed for treatment of bladder cancer symptoms at the same time.
Severity Stages of Bladder Cancer Symptoms
The extent of the tumor extracted from the biopsy can be recognized following the needed clinical findings have been completed. The biopsy results contribute to the proof or absence of the bladder cancer symptoms, and the stage of the growing tumor, in case there is any. Bladder cancer symptoms can be classified into 5 stages.
Stage 0: The least severe stage occurs as cancer cells only line the inner surface of the bladder.
Stage 1: The cancer cells have now penetrated the deep internal lining of the bladder although the bladder muscles are not yet disturbed.
Stage 2: Cancer cells have now penetrated into the bladder muscles.
Stage 3: Cancer cells are now spreading throughout the muscles of the bladder and their surrounding tissue like the prostate in boys) or the uterus (in girls).
Stage 4: Viewed as the most severe stage, the cancer cells have penetrated and spread throughout the pelvis and the abdominal walls. These invasive cells may also be present in the lungs, lymph nodes along with other organs in the abdominal cavity.
Bladder Cancer Symptoms: Treatment
Bladder cancer treatment depends on the kind and severity of the condition. There are several treatment methods available to you. Successful treatment methods are typically achieved upon early detection of the cancer. Talk to your physician or specialist immediately if you’re observing any kind of bladder cancer symptoms.
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