Saturday, March 23, 2024
HomeCauseDoes Bladder Cancer Cause Back Pain

Does Bladder Cancer Cause Back Pain

Frequent Urinary Tract Infections

Bladder cancer and its signs and symptoms

Urinary tract infections are common, especially in women. In rare instances, UTIs that keep coming could be due to bladder cancer. Therefore, it’s important to seek medical attention if symptoms of a urinary tract infection persist despite treatment. People with frequent UTIs may choose to have a bladder cancer screening upon recommendation of their doctor.

Diagnosing Cancer And Back Pain

A doctor will consider your symptoms and medical history when diagnosing potential lower back pain causes. Its important to include if you have a history of cancer or a family history of cancer.

Because cancer is a rare cause of lower back pain in those who dont already have cancer, a doctor may recommend other treatments before doing a full cancer work-up.

However, if pain persists after physical therapy or anti-inflammatory medications, a doctor may order imaging studies and blood testing. These tests can help identify if there are potential cancer markers that are causing the lower back pain.

Risk Factor Of Bladder Cancer

There are numerous ways factor of bladder cancer, but this article will only list the major risk factor of bladder cancer. To reduce the risk of bladder cancer, then you need to avoid all the risk factors so that you wont develop bladder cancer now or in the future.

Smoking

Smoking is the principal cause of bladder cancer over the years. According to records, the cancerous cell, tobacco, cigarette, pipes, and others will increase your risk of developing bladder cancer because these add harmful chemicals into your urine.

So when you smoke, your body will process all the chemicals that come from the smoke to your body and then excretes most of these chemicals into your urine. Within a short period of time, these chemicals will damage the lining of your bladder, which will increase your chances of developing bladder cancer.

Increasing Age

You can develop bladder cancer if you are above 55 years of age. Although bladder cancer can affect anyone regardless of your age, your chances of developing bladder cancer increased as you grow older. That is why it is very important to take good care of your health as you grow older.

Male

If you are male then, you have a higher chance of developing cancer than women because it affects men the most.

Previous Cancer Treatment

Your chances of developing bladder cancer might be higher if you were on several anti-cancer supplements because people received radiation treatments aimed at the pelvis for previous cancer.

Read Also: What Is The Treatment For Herniated Disc In Lower Back

What Screening Tests Are Used For Bladder Cancer

It is not standard to screen for bladder cancer. Bladder cancer screening may be used in people who are considered high risk. If you have a history of bladder cancer, a history of a birth defect of the bladder, or have been exposed to certain chemicals at work, you may be considered high-risk. You should ask your provider if screening tests are right for you.

Testing the urine for blood, abnormal cells, and tumor markers can help find some bladder cancers early but the results vary. Not all bladder cancers are found, and some people may have changes in their urine but do not have bladder cancer. These tests can be used in those who already have signs of bladder cancer or if the cancer has returned. However, more research is needed to determine how useful testing the urine is as a screening test.

Treatment Options And Prevention For Bladder Cancer

What Is The First Sign Of Bladder Cancer

The best treatment plan for you can be determined by your medical provider. Methods of preventing bladder cancer as well as the prognosis are also described in this section.

After a likely diagnosis of bladder cancer has been made via urinalysis, visualization of the inside of the bladder with a camera , and imaging, such as CT scan, a variety of further interventions follow.

Don’t Miss: How To Ease Lower Back Pain

What Is Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer

Muscle invasive bladder cancer is a cancer that spreads into the detrusor muscle of the bladder. The detrusor muscle is the thick muscle deep in the bladder wall. This cancer is more likely to spread to other parts of the body.

In the U.S., bladder cancer is the third most common cancer in men. Each year, there are more than 83,000 new cases diagnosed in men and women. About 25% of bladder cancers are MIBC. Bladder cancer is more common as a person grows older. It is found most often in the age group of 75-84. Caucasians are more likely to get bladder cancer than any other ethnicity. But there are more African-Americans who do not survive the disease.

What is Cancer?

Cancer is when your body cells grow out of control. When this happens, the body cannot work the way it should. Most cancers form a lump called a tumor or a growth. Some cancers grow and spread fast. Others grow more slowly. Not all lumps are cancers. Cancerous lumps are sometimes called malignant tumors.

What is Bladder Cancer?

When cells of the bladder grow abnormally, they can become bladder cancer. A person with bladder cancer will have one or more tumors in his/her bladder.

How Does Bladder Cancer Develop and Spread?

The bladder wall has many layers, made up of different types of cells. Most bladder cancers start in the urothelium or transitional epithelium. This is the inside lining of the bladder. Transitional cell carcinoma is cancer that forms in the cells of the urothelium.

When To Make An Appointment With Your Urologist

Bladder cancer may be overlooked in women because its easy to chalk up symptoms to a stubborn UTI or normal vaginal spotting. Unfortunately, this means women are often diagnosed after the cancer has spread and become harder to treat. So if youre worried, dont just write off your symptoms. Call your doctor to determine if its a minor infection or something more serious. If it is bladder cancer, its easier to treat if you catch it early.

If you would like to talk to a urologist, you can see if we have a location near you or you can contact us to ask a question or make an appointment.

Recommended Reading: How To Prevent Back Pain From Standing All Day

Signs Of Bladder Cancer: What Women Should Know

Bladder cancer may not be on your radar even if youre vigilant about getting routine GYN care. After all, its far more common among men than women, and the majority of cases affect patients over age 65. However, dont let those stats keep you from learning to spot the warning signs.

While bladder cancer isnt one of the most common cancers in women, about 18,000 women are diagnosed with bladder cancer every year in the United States . The Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network reports that women are more likely to be diagnosed with bladder cancer at an advanced stage because they may not be on the lookout for early signs.

Symptoms Of Kidney Cancer

Bladder Cancer, Causes, Signs and Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment.

The most common symptoms of kidney cancer are similar to those of bladder cancer, including blood in the urine. The urine typically appears to be deep red or rusty in color). The patient may also suffer from constant pain in the side, or experience fevers, weight loss fatigue, and a general feeling of being weak and unhealthy. The presence of a cancerous mass or lump in the side of the abdomen may be felt.

Don’t Miss: Is Icy Hot Good For Lower Back Pain

Symptoms Of Bladder Cancer

The bladder is a balloon-like organ located in the lower abdomen. This muscular sac holds the urine produced by the kidneys. Bladder cancer develops when cancerous cells develop in the lining of the bladder. The cells grow, forming tumors. If left untreated, bladder cancer can spread to the kidneys, lungs, bones, and brain. Bladder cancer is the fourth most common cancer among American men women can also develop the disease, though it is less common. Various symptoms can point to this dangerous illness.

Side Effects Not Requiring Immediate Medical Attention

Some side effects of bcg may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

  • Burning during first urination after treatment

After you stop using this medicine, it may still produce some side effects that need attention. During this period of time, Check with your doctor immediately if you notice the following side effects:

  • Cough

Applies to bcg: intravesical powder for reconstitution, percutaneous powder for injection

Don’t Miss: What Can Cause A Burning Pain In The Lower Back

Lower Back Pain On One Side Of Body Can Be Bladder Cancer Symptom

Another bladder cancer symptom that is common but not commonly associated with the cancer type is lower back pain on one side of the body. This is because more than 80 percent of people experience lower back pain at some point in their lives. However, when bladder cancer is in an advanced stage and has grown into your bladders muscle walls or spread to other organs, lower back pain on that side of the body can be a symptom.

If You’re Concerned About Bladder Cancer Ask Your Doctor About Cxbladder

Ikris Pharma Blog: Bladder Cancer And Its Treatment

Cxbladder is a non-invasive genomic urine test that quickly and accurately detects or rules out bladder cancer. The test combines clinical risk factor markers with genetic information, measuring five biomarker genes to detect the presence or absence of bladder cancer.

When should you use Cxbladder?

  • When you’ve seen blood in your urine
  • If tests reveal you have blood in your urine
  • When you’re being monitored for recurrent bladder cancer

Cxbladder provides peace of mind and can make a meaningful difference to your care

  • Cxbladder gives you certainty, resolving diagnostic ambiguity and improving overall detection accuracy.
  • Most patients experiencing hematuria or who are being monitored for bladder cancer recurrence do not have cancer. Cxbladder enables the accurate rule out of patients who do not have bladder cancer, reducing the need for further invasive tests.

With performance proven in 12 peer-reviewed studies, Cxbladder is trusted by over 1,800 urologists in over 40,000 patients. The test is covered by Medicare and comes with the option of in-home sampling.

Cxbladder provides reliable results that will help your doctor make informed diagnosis and management decisions with you.

Don’t Miss: Does Aleve Help Lower Back Pain

Response To Other Treatments

If these treatments do not work and your healthcare provider suspects that there is another cause of your back pain, they may order more tests. These tests can include blood tests, MRI, and computed tomography scans, depending on your symptoms, medical history, and physical examination.

The goal of treatment is to restore function and increase strength so that you can return to your daily activities with little to no pain. When the pain does not respond to conservative treatments, surgery may be indicated in instances where there is disc herniation or other structural damage.

Advanced Bladder Cancer Symptoms

In its later stages, bladder cancer symptoms are much more severe. For example, a growth or mass may appear in the patients pelvis, which is close to the bladder. Swelling often occurs in the lower leg area and many patients experience kidney pain that is felt in the lower back. When bladder cancer continues to spread to other parts of the body, the patient is likely to lose weight and suffer from significant pain in the pelvic area, bones and rectum.

Don’t Miss: Why Do I Have Bad Lower Back Pain

How Is Bladder Cancer Diagnosed

Frequently, a doctor will diagnose bladder cancer after an individual tells them about blood in their urine. When there’s enough blood in the urine to see it with the naked eye, it’s called “gross hematuria.” If you have small traces of blood in your urine you can’t see, it’s “microhematuria.” As mentioned previously, only a urine test can detect microscopic hematuria.

Procedures and tests your doctor may use to diagnose your bladder cancer include the following.

1. Cystoscopy

During cystoscopy, your doctor will insert a cystoscope through your urethra. This tool has a lens that allows them to see inside your bladder and urethra to examine their structures for signs of cancer.

2. Urine Cytology

The doctor analyzes a sample of your urine under a microscope, checking for cancer cells.

3. Genomic Urine Test

This is a lab test that measures several biomarker genes in your urine to accurately assess the probability that you have cancer.

4. Biopsy

During a cystoscopy procedure, your doctor might pass a specific tool into your bladder through the scope to biopsy for testing.

5. Imaging Tests

Imaging tests like retrograde pyelogram or computerized tomography allow your doctor to view and examine your urinary tract structures.

When To See A Healthcare Provider

Can Cancer Cause Back Pain? | Bockmann Technique

Most back pain resolves over a few weeks with conservative treatment. If you have unexplained back pain or pain that persists for longer than six weeks, it is best to seek the advice of a healthcare provider.

If you have back pain along with weakness, difficulty walking, pain when awakening in the morning, or loss of bowel or bladder control you should be examined immediately, as these symptoms can indicate a more serious problem.

If your back pain persists after conservative treatment, let your healthcare provider know. They may refer you to a specialist for further evaluation. Injections to help with the pain can help, or surgery could be necessary. Back pain that is accompanied by signs of cancer should be further evaluated.

Also Check: How To Handle Lower Back Pain

Symptoms Of Recurrent Bladder Cancer

Although seven of every 10 cases of bladder cancer are diagnosed at an early stage when the cancer is treatable, post-treatment recurrence is a particular risk, and the disease has a recurrence rate of about 70%19. Because of this, individuals who have had bladder cancer will require surveillance for years following treatment.

Recurrence happens when you have smaller areas of cancer cells that stay in your body undetected. These cells, over time, might increase in number and eventually cause symptoms or show up on test results. Your doctor, who knows your medical history, will discuss your risk of recurrence during follow-up care.

Symptoms of recurrent bladder cancer often resemble those of early or advanced cancer. Let your doctor know if you develop any new symptoms like frequent urination, blood in your urine, immediate need to urinate or pain while urinating. These symptoms could be signs of bladder cancer recurrence or signs of another health condition.

Knowing the symptoms and signs of bladder cancer, no matter if it’s early, advanced or recurrent, is important and your first step to diagnosis and treatment.

Pain While Urinating And Frequent Urge To Urinate

Dysuria, or painful urination, is an early warning sign of bladder cancer. It may occur when tumors or other growths cause pressure that pushes on the individual’s bladder, resulting in pain. Regardless of their size, tumors can cause a burning sensation or radiating pain while individuals are urinating. Pain can also occur as a result of changes in the bladder due to the growth of abnormal cells.

Patients may also experience a frequent urge to urinate A constant urge to urinate but only releasing a small amount of urine each time is a symptom of bladder cancer. Urinating more often than usual can be a sign of many health problems, including urinary tract infections or menopause. But if cancer is present, the urge will not go away as the tumor or abnormal cells inside the bladder may be applying constant pressure. Those who experience a frequent urge to urinate along with bladder pain should seek immediate treatment.

Don’t Miss: How To Stand With Lower Back Pain

Facts About Bladder Cancer In Women

While bladder cancer typically hasnt been associated with women, it is important to understand the unique way that bladder cancer does affect women, and why its critical that bladder cancer isnt overlooked.

  • Approximately 50% of cases are diagnosed while the cancer is still in the bladder. However, that percentage is lower in women, because symptoms are often overlooked.
  • Women have a 1 in 89 chance of developing bladder cancer in their lifetime . However, bladder cancer in women is on the rise.
  • Approximately 90% of bladder cancer cases are in individuals over 55 years old, so it is important to be extra vigilant of early signs of bladder cancer as you age.
  • Bladder cancer has a high recurrence rate. If you have been diagnosed with bladder cancer, it is important to continue to receive regular exams in order to handle any potential recurrence.

Most Common Causes And Treatments Of Bladder Pain In Women

Prostate Cancer: Signs, Symptoms, and Complications

Many people suffer from bladder pain without knowing the direct cause.

Bladder pain might be embarrassing, and some women choose not to seek treatment. Unfortunately, bladder pain can be a symptom of some harmful conditions. If treatment isnt sought and administered, the situation could become serious.

If you or a loved one is suffering from an irritated bladder with no obvious cause, youre taking a good first step by researching.

Keep reading to learn about several common causes of bladder pain and how they can be treated.

Recommended Reading: What Causes Lower Abdominal And Back Pain In Females

Resources For More Information

Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network

Offers education and support services, advances research, and raises awareness about bladder cancer. Has an extensive online resource library for bladder cancer patients.

American Bladder Cancer Society

The site is intended to offer help, hope, and support to anyone affected by bladder cancer. Bladder cancer information, resources, and a support forum are offered.

RELATED ARTICLES

Most Popular