Symptoms that may need assessment
- Visible or microscopic blood in the urine
- Urgent or frequent urination
- Pain when passing urine
- Lower abdominal or back discomfort
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Urological oncology
Bladder cancer
Prompt investigation of haematuria and specialist treatment and surveillance of bladder tumours.
Understanding the condition
Blood in the urine is the most common warning sign of bladder cancer, although many people with blood in the urine have another cause. Cystoscopy, imaging and tissue sampling help establish the diagnosis, grade and stage so treatment can be planned accurately.
How it may be assessed
- Urine and blood testing
- Imaging of the urinary tract
- Flexible cystoscopy
- TURBT to remove and analyse visible tumour
- Pathology, grading and staging
Care may include
- TURBT and tissue diagnosis
- Additional bladder treatment according to tumour risk
- Surgical management where indicated
- Regular cystoscopic surveillance
- Coordinated oncology input when required
When to seek urgent help
Do not wait when symptoms are severe.
Visible blood in the urine should be assessed even if it stops. Heavy bleeding, clots, difficulty urinating or feeling unwell requires urgent care.