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Non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) often develops quietly. Many people with early-stage bladder cancer often have only mild symptoms, or none at all.
NMIBC means there are cancer cells inside the bladder, but they haven’t spread into the muscle layer of the bladder wall. In later stages, bladder cancer may cause back or abdominal pain, but NMIBC usually doesn’t cause pain.
If you develop new or worsening symptoms, talk to your healthcare team. They can help find out what’s going on and make sure you get the right treatment. Here are four common symptoms of NMIBC.
About 85 percent of people with bladder cancer first notice signs of blood when using the bathroom. Hematuria (blood in the urine) can make your pee look orange, pink, or red. Sometimes, however, the amount is so small that it can be seen only under a microscope.
With NMIBC, this symptom may come and go. It happens when blood vessels in or near the tumor leak or break, releasing small amounts of blood into the urine.
Although blood in the urine is one of the most common early symptoms of NMIBC, it doesn’t always mean you have cancer. Other possible causes include:
Blood in the urine can also be a side effect of treatment, such as after transurethral resection of a bladder tumor (TURBT) — a common surgery for bladder cancer.
People with bladder cancer may be more likely to get UTIs, especially after surgery or catheter use. Researchers are also studying whether frequent UTIs could increase the risk of a rare bladder cancer called squamous cell carcinoma.
NMIBC can sometimes cause pain or a burning sensation while you pee. This may happen when cancer cells obstruct the urinary system or irritate the lining of the bladder. However, this symptom can also be caused by other conditions, including:
If you’re feeling discomfort while urinating, it’s important to let your healthcare provider know so they can check for infections or other possible causes.
Read more about painful urination with bladder cancer.
Early-stage bladder cancer can cause changes in how often or urgently you need to urinate. You might feel like you have to go more often than usual or have a sudden, strong urge to pee even if your bladder isn’t full. These symptoms may happen when a tumor or cancer cells irritate the lining of the bladder, making the bladder more sensitive or unable to hold as much urine.
Changes in urinary habits often have other explanations, too, and are common among older adults. However, it’s important not to ignore these symptoms. If you notice new urgency, are peeing more often, or begin having accidents, be sure to talk with your urologist or oncologist.
Fatigue is a common symptom for people living with bladder cancer or other types of cancer. Referred to as cancer fatigue, this constant tiredness doesn’t get better with rest and has several possible causes. Your cancer cells may be draining your body’s energy or disrupting normal body functions. Your fatigue may also be related to the stress, worry, and pain that may come with a cancer diagnosis. Risk factors for bladder cancer, including smoking and older age, are also linked to feeling more tired.
Fatigue can affect your mood, sleep, and ability to do everyday tasks. If you’re feeling persistently worn out, talk to your doctor. They may suggest:
Some NMIBC symptoms can also occur as side effects of bladder cancer treatment. If you notice new or worsening symptoms, schedule a follow-up consultation with your doctor to pinpoint the cause.
Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG), a type of immunotherapy for bladder cancer, is placed directly into the bladder. As it stimulates your immune system to fight cancer cells, BCG can cause:
Less common side effects include fever, aches, and chills.
“I have pain for a day or two after BCG treatments. It mostly only happens when urinating,” shared one MyBladderCancerTeam member. “I’m usually back to normal after a week.”
Read more about BCG therapy for bladder cancer.
Two newer immunotherapy drugs, nadofaragene firadenovec (Adstiladrin) and nogapendekin alfa inbakicept (Anktiva), are also used to treat NMIBC. These medications are given through a catheter into your bladder — called intravesical therapy — and can cause burning, pain, and blood in the urine.
Chemotherapy drugs can also be given through a catheter to treat cancer cells in the bladder lining. This approach helps limit the whole-body side effects that can happen with chemotherapy, but it may still cause burning and blood in the urine.
Whatever symptoms you are experiencing with NMIBC, remember that you’re not alone. Reach out to friends, family, and support groups, and be open with your urology team. Your healthcare provider can review your treatment options or recommend ways to relieve side effects to help you feel better while living with bladder cancer.n
MyBladderCancerTeam is the social network for people with bladder cancer and their loved ones. On MyBladderCancerTeam, members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with bladder cancer.
What symptoms have you noticed since being diagnosed with non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer? Do you have tips to share on how to manage them? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.
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My Husband Is Getting Big For High Grade Non Muscle Stage 1 . He Has Had 3 Treatments With No Symptoms At All. Does That Mean It Is Not Work
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I was given mitomycin C intervescularly and the only noticeable effect was the deterioration of my shoulder bursa.
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