What are the Symptoms of Urinary Bladder Cancer in Females?

Urinary Bladder Cancer in Females: Symptoms & When to Seek Help

Bladder cancer is one of the rare forms of the disease. Known to affect the male population more, the outcomes of bladder cancer are severe among women. It happens due to a lack of awareness among females and frequent misdiagnosis.

The bladder is an organ that holds urine. Cancer begins in the tissue cell lining of the organ, called the urothelium. Abnormal cells multiply and cause tumors, which then spread to nearby organs.

Bladder cancer is treatable, but early diagnosis is the key. Keep reading to understand the causes, symptoms, and precautions you must take to avoid misdiagnosis.

What Causes Urinary Bladder Cancer in Women?

Some factors that cause bladder cancer in women are:

1. Smoking: Smoking accounts for nearly half of all bladder cancer cases in women.
2. Industrial Exposure: Women exposed to chemicals in rubber, dyes, or hairdressing supplies have an increased risk.
3. Radiation or Chemotherapy: Women with a history of uterine or cervical cancer who have undergone chemotherapy or radiation treatment are at high risk for bladder cancer.
4. Genetic Influence: A family history of bladder cancer or certain inherited gene mutations can cause bladder cancer.

How Can Women Know if They Have Bladder Cancer?

The early signs of bladder cancer include:

• Visible blood during peeing (hematuria)
• A burning or stinging sensation during urination (dysuria)
• Frequent urination or urgency to pee, even without a full bladder

The bladder cancer symptoms become more severe as the disease progresses. These include:

• One-sided lower back pain
• Discomfort or pain in the pelvis
• Wanting to urinate but can’t
• Weakness
• Sudden weight loss and unexpected appetite loss

If the cancer has spread to the bones, you may experience severe pain in the pelvis, spine, and thigh bone (femur). The pain may worsen at night or during movement.

Why is Urinary Bladder Cancer Misdiagnosed in Women?

The major reasons behind the misdiagnosis of bladder cancer in women are as follows:

• There is a common misconception that bladder cancer primarily affects men, which often leads to misdiagnosis of women, even when they present with relevant symptoms.
• The early symptoms of urinary bladder cancer often resemble those of a urinary tract infection (UTI). Since UTIs are more common in females, they usually visit their gynecologists or general physicians. They are not referred to a urologist for further evaluation.
• The age group of affected women is 55 and up. So, bloody urine is mostly regarded as menopausal bleeding or cystitis. This lack of awareness can postpone diagnosis by a year or even longer.

Note: Women need to understand that any bleeding/spotting that is not menstrual can have an underlying reason, and they must consult doctors immediately.

What Steps to Take to Prevent Urinary Bladder Cancer Misdiagnosis?

If you notice any of the symptoms mentioned above, here’s what you should do:

• Track how often you are having these symptoms and how intense they are.
• Visit your gynecologist or general physician with your concerns.
• Ask about all the probable chances of having any serious issues.
• Inquire about a urine analysis test and if you need it for your symptoms.
• If the test results are concerning, see a urologist for an accurate diagnosis.

Like any other disease, early detection is key in the case of urinary bladder cancer. Persistence in seeking answers will fast forward the process.

Can Bladder Cancer in Women Be Cured?

Yes, if detected early, bladder cancer in women is curable. The most common solution is surgery:

• Transurethral resection (TURBT)  is used to cure this disease in the initial stages.
• Radical cystectomy is done when the cancer has spread to the surrounding organs.
• The surgical procedures may be followed by regular chemotherapy or radiation treatment.

The prognosis is good if detected early, but long-term monitoring will be required.

Bladder cancer usually affects women over 55 years old. So, if you are a female, don’t ignore the signals your body is sending. Visit your healthcare specialist, follow their instructions, and don’t hesitate to ask questions. Early detection is the key to a long life.

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