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Warning-sign checks

Bladder cancer: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Heavy bleeding, inability to pass urine, severe shortness of breath, fainting, confusion, or sudden severe pain requires emergency assessment.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Fever after BCG, reduced urine output, or symptoms of infection deserve prompt advice.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Follow-up is based on the original tumor's stage and risk.

    After non-muscle-invasive cancer, it usually includes repeated cystoscopy.

    Urine cytology and imaging of the upper urinary tract may also be needed.

    Higher-risk disease generally requires closer monitoring than a single low-risk tumor.

    After treatment for muscle-invasive cancer, follow-up may include examinations, blood tests, and scans to look for recurrence and assess kidney function.

    People with a urinary diversion need monitoring for infections, stones, narrowing, skin problems, electrolyte changes, and vitamin deficiencies when relevant.

    Follow-up visits are also a good time to review physical activity, nutrition, vaccines, emotional health, sexual concerns, and practical care of a urinary diversion.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • has noticed a lump, a mole that has changed, or unexplained weight loss

The article also says

Contact the care team between scheduled visits for new blood in the urine, worsening urinary symptoms, unexplained pain, new swelling, weight loss, or treatment side effects.

Stopping tobacco use can reduce the risk of other cancers and heart or lung disease.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Bladder cancer. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.