Signs and Symptoms
of Bladder Cancer
The primary symptom of bladder cancer is blood in the urine (hematuria).
Hematuria may be visible to the naked eye (gross) or visible
only under a microscope (microscopic) and is usually painless.
Other symptoms include frequent urination and pain upon
urination (dysuria).
Diagnosis of
Bladder Cancer
Diagnosis of bladder cancer includes urological tests and
imaging tests. A complete medical history is used to identify
potential risk factors (e.g., smoking, exposure to dyes).
Laboratory tests may include the following:
BladderChek®
(to detect elevated levels of tumor markers in the urine)
Urinalysis
(to detect microscopic hematuria)
Urine
cytology (to detect cancer cells by examining cells
flushed from the bladder during urination)
Urine culture
(to rule out urinary tract infection)
Various imaging tests may also be performed.
Intravenous pyelogram (IVP) is the standard imaging
test for bladder cancer. In this procedure, a contrast agent (radiopaque
dye) is administered through a vein (intravenously) and x-rays
are taken as the dye moves through the urinary tract. IVP
provides information about the structure and function of the
kidneys, ureters, and bladder. Other imaging tests include
CT scan, MRI scan, bone scan, and
ultrasound.
If bladder cancer is suspected, cystoscopy
and biopsy are performed. Local anesthesia is administered and
a cystoscope (thin, telescope-like tube with a tiny camera
attached) is inserted into the bladder through the urethra to
allow the physician to detect abnormalities. In biopsy, tissue
samples are taken from the lesion(s) and examined for cancer
cells. If the sample is positive, the cancer is staged using
the tumor, node, metastases (TNM) system.
Treatment of
Bladder Cancer
Treatment for bladder cancer depends on the stage of the
disease, the type of cancer, and the patient’s age and overall
health. Options include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and
immunotherapy. Treatments are sometimes combined (e.g.,
surgery or radiation and chemotherapy).
The Austin Diagnostic Clinic, A
Multi-Specialty Medical Clinic
12221 MoPac Expressway North |
Austin, TX 78758 | 512.901.1111
Serving the communities of Austin, Round Rock, Pflugerville, San
Marcos and
Central Texas since 1952
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