Bladder Cancer

Symptoms

The most common symptoms of bladder cancer include:

• Blood or blood clots in the urine (hematuria). Hematuria occurs in 80% to 90% of people who have bladder cancer and is the most common symptom. Usually it is not painful.²
• Pain during urination (dysuria).
• Urinating small amounts frequently.
• Frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Symptoms that may indicate more advanced bladder cancer include:

• Pain in the lower back around the kidneys (flank pain).
• Swelling in the lower legs.
• A growth in the pelvis near the bladder (pelvic mass).

Other symptoms that may develop when bladder cancer has spread include:

• Weight loss.
• Bone pain or pain in the rectal, anal, or pelvic area.
• Anemia.

The symptoms of bladder cancer may be similar to symptoms of other bladder conditions.

Go to previous section	Go to top of page	Go to next section
Author:	Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH	Last Updated: May 25, 2007
Medical Review:	E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine Philip Belitsky, MD, FRCSC - Urology
© 1995-2008 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.