Bladder cancer

Alternative names:

transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder

Symptoms:

• urinary urgency
• urinary frequency
• painful urination
• hematuria (blood in the urine)
• bladder pain

Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:

• urinary incontinence
• bone pain or tenderness
• abdominal pain
• anemia
• weight loss
• lethargy (tiredness)

Signs and tests:

Physical examination will be performed, including a rectal and pelvic exam.

Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:

• urinalysis
• urine cytology test (microscopic exam of urine to look for cancerous cells)
• cystoscopy (use of lighted instrument to view inside of bladder)
• bladder biopsy usually performed during cystoscopy
• intravenous pyelogram (IVP) to evaluate upper urinary tract for tumors or blockage