How to Diagnose Bladder Cancer

Bladder cancer is a type of cancer that initiates in the bladder of a person's body. It starts in the lining of the bladder and may spread to surrounding areas of the body. If you detect bladder cancer early, it increases your chances of survival and reduces long term health effects.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Consider your age and other risk factors. Bladder cancer is more likely to occur in older adults. Cases of bladder cancer are rare in adults younger than 45. Men and people who smoke are also at a higher risk for developing bladder cancer.
2. Note any pain that you may be feeling. Bladder cancer can cause the patient to feel pain in the pelvic region of the body. Urination may also be painful.
3. Examine your urine for any changes. Your urine may appear reddish or have a darker than normal color. You may also experience difficulty urinating or the frequent urge to go.
4. See a doctor about your symptoms. A doctor can review your medical history and perform several tests to reach a bladder cancer diagnosis.
5. Let the physician take a urine sample. Your urine can be analyzed to detect the presence of cancer. The doctor may also want to perform a test called a cystoscopy. This allows a doctor to examine the bladder and take a biopsy.
6. Get a series of radiology tests done. An MRI and CT Scan can detect bladder cancer and let the doctor know what stage cancer you have.

Tips & Warnings

• The symptoms associated with bladder cancer are linked to several other medical conditions. Other possible causes of your symptoms could be kidney stones, urinary tract infection and kidney disease.
• Bladder cancer may not cause any symptoms during its early stages.