Bladder Cancer Symptoms Every Man Should Know

More than 65,000 men will receive a bladder cancer diagnosis this year, but only about one-third of cases are diagnosed in the localized (easiest to treat) stage.

At Urology Specialists of Cypress, expert urologist Dr. James Stocks and our caring team are working diligently to improve those odds for our Cypress, Texas, patients. We're here to raise awareness about the symptoms of bladder cancer.

Recognizing early signs can make a real difference in how bladder cancer is diagnosed and treated. In our August blog, we highlight the symptoms every man should watch for.

The importance of early detection

Although bladder cancer is three times more common in men. As a group, they're historically less likely to seek medical care than women. Combine those factors and it’s easy to understand why recognizing symptoms early is so crucial.

The survival rate of bladder cancer is quite high if it's caught in the localized stage. You might not be able to prevent bladder cancer, but you can be proactive about recognizing its symptoms.

Early symptoms of bladder cancer

Bladder cancer doesn’t always cause pain right away. Hematuria (blood in the urine) is often the first sign.  In some cases, it causes a pink, red, or brown tint. Other times, it’s invisible and only detected through lab testing.

Other possible signs are:

• A weak or slow urine stream
• Increased trips to the bathroom
• Uncomfortable urination, including burning or pain
• Bladder constantly feeling full

These symptoms don't automatically mean you have bladder cancer. They're common with other male issues such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), kidney stones, and urinary tract infections (UTIs).

While these conditions are very different from each other, and from bladder cancer, what they all share in common is the need for prompt diagnosis and expert care. Catching the condition early gives you more treatment options and better outcomes. That’s why we take your concerns seriously.

Diagnostic testing: What to expect

At Urology Specialists of Cypress, Dr. Stocks reviews your health history, listens to your concerns, and walks you through the next steps.

Diagnosis often begins with a physical exam, a urine test, and a cystoscopy (a close-up exam of your bladder and urethra). Dr. Stocks may remove a tiny sample of tissue for testing.

You may need additional tests such as a CT scan or MRI if you're diagnosed with bladder cancer. These additional tests can help Dr. Stocks visualize the tumor and its path to better plan your treatment.

Our goal is to give you clear answers and walk you through your options. Dr. Stocks and our team offer the full spectrum of innovative therapies to help you triumph over bladder cancer.

Hope for bladder cancer in Cypress

Suspicious symptoms deserve immediate attention. Whether it's a minor issue or a serious one like bladder cancer, Urology Specialists at Cypress can help. Phone our Cypress, Texas, office at 281-304-2521 to book your appointment and get the answers you need.