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Bladder cancer is mainly a malignant tumor of epithelial origin, commonly arising from the bladder mucosa. It is closely associated with long-term smoking, chemical exposure, and chronic cystitis. The majority of cases occur in middle-aged and elderly men. Western countries such as the United States, Germany, and France are high-incidence areas, while Asian countries such as Japan, South Korea, and China are also showing a continuous upward trend.
In Southeast Asia, countries such as Thailand, Malaysia, and the Philippines have reported a yearly increase in bladder cancer cases in recent years, partly linked to industrial development and environmental pollution. Advanced bladder cancer may lead to extensive metastasis, severely affecting urinary function, quality of life, and patients’ psychological well-being, posing a serious threat.
Stage I: Cancer confined to the mucosa
Cancer cells are limited to the bladder mucosa without invading the muscle layer, presenting as intermittent hematuria. Prognosis is favorable after endoscopic resection, with a 5-year survival rate of up to 90%.
Stage II: Invasion into the bladder muscle layer
The tumor infiltrates the bladder wall muscle, with worsening symptoms. Treatment requires surgery combined with radiotherapy. The 5-year survival rate is about 60%-70%, and bladder function can still be preserved if managed promptly.
Stage III: Invasion of adjacent tissues
Cancer cells penetrate the bladder wall, involving nearby structures such as the prostate or uterus. Treatment requires extended surgery combined with chemotherapy, with a 5-year survival rate reduced to 40%-50%.
Stage IV: Distant metastasis
Cancer cells spread to distant organs such as the lungs, bones, or liver, presenting with systemic symptoms and poor prognosis. The focus is on prolonging life and alleviating symptoms, with a 5-year survival rate below 20%.
1. Painless gross hematuria
The most common early symptom. Urine appears pink or bright red without pain, occurring intermittently, often mistaken for mild urinary tract infection.
2. Urinary frequency and urgency
Irritation of the bladder wall triggers frequent urination and urgency, even when the bladder is not full, significantly affecting quality of life.
3. Difficulty urinating or weak urine stream
Tumor obstruction at the bladder outlet leads to straining during urination, weak or intermittent flow, and sometimes the need for effort to completely empty the bladder.
4. Nocturia
Reduced bladder capacity causes frequent nighttime urination, disturbing sleep, and is a common sign in advanced stages.
5. Dysuria and burning sensation
Some patients experience sharp or burning pain during urination, particularly when tumors are accompanied by infection or located in the trigone area.
6. Foul-smelling or cloudy urine
When necrosis or infection occurs, urine may have a foul odor or contain purulent discharge, an important sign of tumor-related infection.
7. Lower abdominal discomfort or distension
Tumor pressure or infiltration of the bladder wall can cause persistent discomfort, often accompanied by urinary frequency.
8. Blood clots in urine
With increased bleeding, visible clots may appear in the urine, sometimes forming tubular clots, causing significant discomfort during passage.
9. Urinary retention
Severe obstruction by the tumor may completely block urine flow, leading to acute urinary retention, which requires emergency treatment.
10. Flank pain and unilateral hydronephrosis
Tumor blockage of the ureteral orifice can cause backflow of urine, leading to hydronephrosis, presenting as dull or colicky pain on one side of the waist.
11. Fatigue and loss of appetite
In advanced stages, tumor metabolism increases energy consumption, leading to weight loss, poor appetite, and mental fatigue.
12. Bone pain or skeletal metastasis
Distant bone metastasis may cause persistent bone pain or pathological fractures, a common complication in advanced bladder cancer.
13. Inguinal or pelvic mass
Regional lymph node metastasis causes palpable hard lumps with tenderness or discomfort, indicating tumor spread.
14. Anemia and pallor
Chronic bleeding and tumor consumption lead to anemia, manifested by pale complexion, dizziness, and fatigue—an alarming signal.
15. Anxiety and psychological disturbances
Abnormal urination and cancer diagnosis often cause anxiety, depression, and fear, requiring psychological support and intervention.
Experts at United Life International Medical Center remind: Bladder cancer often begins with painless hematuria, which is easily overlooked. If abnormalities such as hematuria, urinary dysfunction, or lower abdominal discomfort occur, prompt medical evaluation is necessary. Diagnosis through cystoscopy, imaging, and urine cytology helps identify the cause. Scientific treatment combined with immune reconstruction cell therapy offers new hope for patients with advanced disease, prolonging survival and improving quality of life.
