Recognizing Bladder Cancer Symptoms in Central California

Bladder cancer is cancer of any part of the urinary bladder, the organ that collects urine from the kidneys. The most common type of bladder cancer starts in the bladder lining.

If you are experiencing bladder cancer symptoms in Central California, visit a Dignity Health hospital for advanced diagnostic care. With cancer screenings, we can help you catch bladder cancer at its earliest, and most treatable, stages. Use our online search tool to Find a Doctor at Dignity Health Central California today.

Bladder Cancer Symptoms

Unlike some other forms of cancer, early stage bladder cancer often causes detectable symptoms. Early bladder cancer signs and symptoms may include:

• Urgent need to urinate
• Blood in the urine, which causes the urine to look rusty, pink, or orange
• Trouble urinating
• Frequent urination
• Burning or pain with urination
• Weak urine stream

These symptoms may fluctuate over weeks or even months, and other conditions have similar symptoms. That’s why it’s important to see your Dignity Health Central California doctor for the right diagnosis.

In the later stages of bladder cancer, symptoms can include: 

• Inability to urinate
• Fatigue
• Appetite loss
• Unintended weight loss
• Bone pain
• Swollen feet

How is Bladder Cancer Diagnosed?

Because bladder cancer often has noticeable symptoms, about half of bladder cancer cases are diagnosed early, when the cancer is most treatable.

Diagnosing bladder cancer may include:

• Urine testing, including urine culture, urinalysis, and tumor markers
• Physical exam and medical history
• Cystoscopy, which allows your doctor to examine the lining of the bladder and take a sample of bladder tissue (biopsy)
• Imaging exams, including special X-rays, CT scan, and MRI scan

A complete diagnosis, including the stage of your cancer, helps your Dignity Health Central California doctor plan the best course of treatment for you. Talk to your doctor today if you are noticing signs of bladder cancer — we can provide personalized treatment right away.