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Specific symptoms related to genitourinary cancerThe symptoms below may indicate genitourinary cancer. Symptoms may vary by type of cancer, but some are common to one or more GU cancers. It is recommended you visit your physician if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms. Blood in the UrineVisible or "gross" hematuria, as doctors like to call it, is the most common presenting feature of bladder and kidney cancer. The bleeding is typically intermittent and should be thoroughly evaluated even if it completely goes away! Bleeding may also be microscopic and not visible. It is important, therefore, to have your urine checked with your routine physical examinations...continueFlank PainBoth kidney cancer and bladder cancer can cause flank pain. Tumors of the kidney that expand rapidly or bleed into the surrounding tissue can cause a steady, aching pain. Kidney pain is more commonly cramping and intermittent (colicky). This is associated with blockage of the outflow of urine from the kidney, most commonly by a kidney stone, but at times it is caused by tumor or blood clot blocking the ureter.Burning on UrinationBurning or painful urination (dysuria) can be associated with bladder cancer. The cells that line the bladder and cause bladder cancer, called urothelial cells or transitional cells, extend from the kidney, where they line the collecting system (plumbing) of the kidney, to the ureter, throughout the bladder, and down through the prostate to the urethra. Cancer of these cells anywhere along the way can cause burning. When the prostate is affected pain in the perineum (the area between the anus and the scrotum) can occur. When the urethra is involved a lump or mass may be felt and a bloody urethral discharge may occur.Frequency of UrinationUrinary frequency is common and generally not a symptom of cancer. It can occur in association with burning or pain on urination (dysuria, above) associated with bladder cancer (or urothelial or transitional cell carcinoma, TCC, of the kidney, ureter, prostate or urethra, above). Urinary frequency may also be a symptom of prostate cancer. Enlargement of the prostate due to benign growth (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, BPH) or prostate cancer can block the urethra, causing increased resistance to the flow of urine. This increased resistance makes the bladder work harder, and the bladder muscle becomes stronger as a result. Contraction of this stronger (hypertrophied) bladder muscle produces increased pressure in the bladder and a strong urge to urinate (Urgency). Symptoms may progress to the point that leakage occurs before one can reach the bathroom (Urgency Incontinence).Reduced Force of Urinary StreamBlockage of the prostatic urethra by benign (BPH) or malignant (CAP) enlargement of the prostate can reduce the force of the urinary stream. As it progresses, urinary frequency (above) and urgency may occur. The bladder may be unable to empty completely, leaving less room for urine as it is formed, resulting in having to urinate during the night (Nocturia). There are many benign causes of these symptoms, but since they may result from prostate cancer, or in the case of urgency and nocturia from bladder cancer, a digital rectal examination (DRE), PSA, and urinalysis to check for blood are appropriate screening tests.Back PainBefore the advent of PSA, which has allowed us to diagnose prostate cancer 7 or more years earlier, patients with prostate cancer would not infrequently present with back pain from metastasis (spread) to bone. This is fortunately a rare occurrence these days.Urethral DischargeBlood or mucus draining from the urethra and staining the underpants can be a symptom of cancer of the urethra.
Created: 3/15/2005
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Home | Meet Dr. Lamm | About Us | Common Questions | Office Visit | e-Consultation Cancer Information | Symptoms | Treatment & Prevention | Research | Forms | For Physicians BCG Oncology, PC | 16620 North 40th Street, Suite E | Phoenix, AZ 85032 | (602) 493-6626 Copyright © 2007 BCG Oncology, PC. All rights reserved. Medical content authored by Donald L. Lamm, M.D., unless otherwise noted. |
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The information available on and through the BCGOncology.com Web site is presented in summary form as a supplement to, and NOT a substitute for, the knowledge, skill, and judgment of qualified physicians and health care professionals. The information on BCGOncology.com has been obtained from sources believed to be accurate and reliable. However, BCG Oncology, PC makes no warranty as to the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of this information. Information accessed on or through BCGOncology.com is neither complete nor exhaustive and does not cover all disabilities, diseases, illnesses, and physical conditions or their management or treatment. Information accessed on and through BCGOncology.com is provided "AS IS" and without warranty, express or implied, including, but not limited to, any implied warranty of merchantability or of fitness for a particular purpose. View our terms of use for more information. Donald L. Lamm, MD is licensed to practice medicine in the state of Arizona, only. |