No, bladder cancer is not a silent cancer. It can cause a range of symptoms in people, depending on the stage and type of bladder cancer. Common symptoms of bladder cancer include frequent and painful urination, blood in the urine, fatigue, and pain in the lower abdomen or back.
If the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, there may be other symptoms such as weight loss, bone pain, and coughing up blood. If any of these symptoms are present, it’s important to see a doctor right away to determine the cause.
Early diagnosis and treatment are key to a successful outcome.
Can you have bladder cancer for years and not know it?
Yes, it is possible to have bladder cancer for years and not know it. Bladder cancer tends to be slow-growing and may not present any symptoms until it has progressed to a more advanced stage. The most common symptom of bladder cancer is blood in the urine, which can be an indication of several other medical conditions.
Since people often attribute this symptom to something less serious, this can lead to a delay in seeking medical attention. Early-stage bladder cancer usually does not cause pain, so symptoms may be subtle and difficult to identify.
Furthermore, not all bladder cancers are the same, and some can be more aggressive and aggressive differently than others. That being said, it is important to discuss any changes in symptoms or urinary patterns with a doctor so that any potential issues can be properly diagnosed.
What are the symptoms of late stage bladder cancer?
Late stage bladder cancer can cause a range of concerning symptoms, including:
-Blood in the urine -The urge to urinate more frequently -Painful or burning sensations during urination -Lower back pain -Weight loss -Fatigue -Abdominal or pelvic pain -Lumps in the abdomen or pelvis.
It is important to note that some of these symptoms may also be caused by other conditions and are not always specific to bladder cancer. However, if you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, it is important to contact your healthcare provider to determine whether they may be related to bladder cancer.
Do symptoms of bladder cancer come and go?
No, symptoms of bladder cancer typically do not come and go. It is important to note that having symptoms does not necessarily mean that a person has bladder cancer, as many of the same symptoms can be caused by other health concerns such as infections or bladder stones.
However, for bladder cancer specifically, the most common signs and symptoms are usually persistent and do not go away. These include frequent and/or sudden urges to urinate, blood or pus in the urine, pain or burning during urination, and lower back pain on one side.
It is important to see a doctor if any of these symptoms are present, as early diagnosis and treatment may improve treatment outcomes.
Can you live 15 years with bladder cancer?
It is possible to live 15 years with bladder cancer, although it depends on the individual and the stage at which it is detected. Treatment options vary depending on the type, size and location of the bladder cancer and its stage of progression.
Generally, the earlier the cancer is identified and treatment initiated, the better the outcome is likely to be. Surgery, cytotoxic chemotherapy, radiation therapy and/or immunotherapy are among the various treatment options available.
In general, survival rates for bladder cancer are determined according to the stage of the cancer at diagnosis. If bladder cancer is detected and treated at an early stage (Stage I and Stage II), the 5-year relative survival rate is close to 90%, meaning that patients with early stage bladder cancer have a 90% chance of living at least 5 years.
In the late stages (Stages III and IV), the 5-year relative survival rate is 40%.
These numbers are encouraging but it is important to keep in mind that everyone’s experience is different. Lifestyle factors, age, and other underlying conditions can also have an effect on the outcome, so it is important for a person diagnosed with bladder cancer to discuss their specific prognosis with their medical team.
How long do you live with untreated bladder cancer?
The lifespan of someone with untreated bladder cancer depends on various factors, such as the stage and type of cancer, the patient’s overall health, response to treatment, and other treatments received.
Generally, without treatment, bladder cancer can progress and spread to other organs, such as the lungs and liver. The five-year survival rate without treatment is very low at 5%.
Early-stage bladder cancer (T1-2) has a better chance at long-term survival without treatment. Without treatment, the five-year survival rate for localized bladder cancer (T1-2) is 25-50%. However, if the cancer has spread to other organs, the five-year survival rate is much lower, ranging from 0-15%.
In general, the prognosis is much better for bladder cancer if it is treated before it has spread to other organs. Patients should be sure to work with a physician to create a treatment plan and understand the expected survival rate of their specific diagnosis.
Does bladder cancer ever completely go away?
In some cases, bladder cancer can completely go away. Bladder cancer is divided into two main types: non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer, which includes papillary and non-invasive carcinoma in situ, and muscle-invasive bladder cancer.
In cases of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer, the tumor is completely removed during surgery and the patient may be cured. Depending on the type of tumor, some people may require further treatment such as chemotherapy and/or radiation.
However, for those with muscle-invasive bladder cancer, the cancer may not completely go away because it has spread outside the bladder wall. In these cases, surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy may be used to help control the cancer and slow its growth.
Ultimately, it is important to discuss with a doctor what the best treatment options are based on individual diagnosis.
How long is life expectancy with bladder cancer?
The life expectancy of a person with bladder cancer varies significantly depending on the stage and type of bladder cancer, as well as other underlying factors. Generally, if caught in the early stages, the five-year survival rate for bladder cancer is approximately 77%.
Many treatments are available for bladder cancer, depending on the severity. Depending on the specific situation and treatment, some individuals may have the disease for many years with relatively few symptoms, while others may live for a shorter amount of time despite receiving treatment.
It is important to speak with a healthcare provider to discuss an individual’s prognosis and long-term planning.
Does bladder cancer always show up in urine?
No, bladder cancer does not always show up in urine. While blood in the urine is one of the most common symptoms of bladder cancer, other symptoms such as changes in urination frequency and urgency, lower back and abdominal pain, and pelvic discomfort can also be signs of bladder cancer.
Additionally, routine screening tests such as urine cytology and cystoscopy, which involves inserting a thin lighted tube through the urethra, can be used to detect certain types of bladder cancer. If a person has any of the symptoms of bladder cancer, they should contact a doctor right away.
Can bloodwork detect bladder cancer?
Yes, bloodwork can be used as part of the process to detect bladder cancer. Blood tests are often used to help diagnose and monitor the progress of bladder cancer. Tests used to detect bladder cancer may include a complete blood count (CBC) to look for anemia, an urinalysis to look for abnormal substances in the urine, or a blood test to look for the presence of tumor markers.
A tumor marker is a substance in the body that raises or decreases when cancer is present. Examples include carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and prostate-specific antigen (PSA). Other tests that may be done include imaging tests such as computed tomography (CT) scans or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans.
Blood tests alone cannot confirm the presence of bladder cancer, but they can help alert doctors to possible signs of the disease.
What is the most reliable test for detecting bladder cancer?
The most reliable test for detecting bladder cancer is a cystoscopy. This procedure uses a thin, lighted tube to view the lining of the bladder and urethra. During a cystoscopy, the doctor will use a tiny camera to look for any abnormalities, such as tumors or polyps.
A biopsy may also be performed to remove cells from suspicious areas for further testing and evaluation. Another diagnostic test that is effective for detecting bladder cancer is a urine cytology test.
This test looks for cancer cells in the urine. Other tests for bladder cancer may include imaging tests such as CT scans, X-rays and MRIs. The most reliable test for bladder cancer is the cystoscopy since it allows the doctor to directly observe the bladder and urethra and take a biopsy from suspicious areas.
Does everyone with bladder cancer have blood in urine?
No, not everyone with bladder cancer has blood in their urine. Such as frequent urination, pain during urination, and feeling the need to go to the bathroom right away. However, some people with bladder cancer may not have any symptoms at all.
Additionally, blood in the urine does not necessarily indicate bladder cancer – there could be other causes such as a urinary tract infection or a kidney stone. If you’re experiencing any symptoms of bladder cancer, it is important to see a doctor to get a proper diagnosis and discuss treatment options.
How is bladder cancer usually detected?
Bladder cancer is typically detected through a variety of tests and screenings. Urinalysis is often the first step, which can detect blood, abnormal cells, and proteins in the urine. Urinalysis can also help to determine whether cancer cells are present in the urine.
Other tests used to detect bladder cancer include imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and ultrasounds, which can help detect changes in the bladder walls or any tumors. Cystoscopy is another common test used to detect bladder cancer, which involves the insertion of a special camera into the bladder to take images and samples.
Finally, a biopsy is often conducted to confirm a bladder cancer diagnosis. During a biopsy, a doctor takes a small sample of tissue from the bladder and examines it under a microscope to confirm the presence of cancerous cells.
What is the gold standard for bladder cancer diagnosis?
The gold standard for bladder cancer diagnosis is a combination of physical exam, urinary cytology, and cystoscopy. Physical exam includes a pelvic exam and feeling for bladder tumors during the exam.
Urinary cytology is a test to check the patient’s urine for abnormal cells that may suggest bladder cancer. Finally, cystoscopy is a procedure in which a thin scope is used to look directly into the bladder in order to identify and remove abnormal tissue for further examination.
This procedure is often combined with a biopsy, which is when a small sample of tissue or fluid is taken from the abnormal area and sent to a lab for testing to determine if it is cancerous. All of these tests together, when done properly, provide the best possible evidence for a bladder cancer diagnosis.
How accurate is a cystoscopy in detecting bladder cancer?
A cystoscopy is a procedure in which a tiny camera is inserted into the bladder to look for signs or symptoms of bladder cancer. Cystoscopy can be an effective way to detect bladder cancer in its early stages and is often used as a primary diagnostics tool when bladder cancer is suspected.
The accuracy of a cystoscopy in detecting bladder cancer varies depending on the stage of the cancer and the detection capabilities of the doctor performing the procedure. Generally speaking, cystoscopy is considered to be more accurate for diagnosing early-stage bladder cancer than later stages, since it is easier to spot the tumors and other signs of cancer in the early stages.
In addition, the quality of the cystoscopy can also affect the accuracy of the results. The accuracy will be reduced if the doctor performing the procedure is not highly trained or if they use lower quality instruments.
Overall, while cystoscopy is not 100% accurate in detecting bladder cancer, it is a valuable tool and can play an important role in making an early and accurate diagnosis.