What it is
Smoking is the biggest risk factor. Past contact with certain industrial chemicals also raises the risk. It is more common in older adults.
Treatment depends on how deep the cancer has grown. It may include removing it through a telescope, medicine put directly into the bladder, surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Regular cystoscopy checks are needed afterwards because it can come back.
Common signs
- Blood in the urine, even once
- Needing to pee more often or urgently
- Pain or burning when peeing
- Pain in the lower back or tummy
How it is usually diagnosed
- Urine tests
- Cystoscopy: a camera looks inside the bladder
- CT urogram or ultrasound
- Biopsy or removal of the tumour (TURBT)
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- Cystoscopy reports and dates
- Pathology (biopsy) reports with stage and grade
- CT and ultrasound reports
- Your follow-up cystoscopy schedule
Questions to ask your doctor
- What stage and grade is the cancer?
- How often will I need check cystoscopies?
- How can stopping smoking help now?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- Being unable to pee
- Heavy bleeding with clots in the urine
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.