So how do you know you might have a problem with your bladder? Blood in the urine is the most common clinical sign associated with bladder cancer. Some patients also have pain in the area of the bladder.
When a patient urinates blood it is known as “gross haematuria” but often there may be blood in the urine without visible signs. Microscopic amounts of blood may be detected by a urine test called a urinalysis. This test can be part of a routine physical exam or to evaluate urinary symptoms (i.e. burning, frequency, urgency etc.).
Blood in the urine does not necessarily mean a person has bladder cancer. Haematuria can occur with non-cancerous conditions. These include other problems like urinary tract infections, kidney stones, an enlarged prostate, and diseases of the kidney.
If a person also complains of pain in the area he or she might have a kidney stone rather than bladder cancer. Every patient’s presenting symptoms may be different.
Download our Bladder Cancer Australia booklet for more information