The bladder is a hollow muscular organ that stores urine. Bladder cancer typically develops in the urothelial cells lining the organ’s interiors. These cells are also present in the kidneys and the ureters, so you can get urothelial cancer in either, but it is more prevalent in the bladder. Typically, diagnosis happens in the early stages when it is highly treatable. However, bladder cancer may resurface, making awareness of warning signs and symptoms vital.

Signs and symptoms
Blood in the urine is typically the most common bladder cancer symptom. But blood in the pee is not a fool-proof sign of bladder cancer; other conditions may also be responsible for this issue. That said, you must contact your healthcare provider anytime you notice blood in your pee since it is never a good sign. A few warning symptoms of bladder cancer are as follows:

Hematuria or visible blood in the urine
Doctors can also find microscopic amounts of blood in the urine during a urinalysis.
Dysuria or pain anytime you urinate
It involves a stinging or burning sensation when you start peeing or after urinating. Men might experience pain in their penises before and after urinating.
Frequent urination
In this symptom, you are likely to pee more frequently than average in 24 hours.
Having trouble urinating
Your urine flow may start and stop, or this flow might not be as strong as it used to be.
Constant bladder infections
Many bladder cancer symptoms are similar to those experienced in bladder infections. So, if you have a bladder infection that does not go away even after treatment, you must contact your healthcare professional.

Causes
Unfortunately, researchers and healthcare professionals have not pinpointed an exact cause behind the mutation of bladder cells. However, they have pinpointed some risk factors that can aggravate your chances of developing bladder cancer. These are as follows:

Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy treatments can aggravate your risk of developing bladder cancer.
Radiation exposure
Radiation therapy for cancer treatment also amplifies your risk of developing bladder cancer.
Frequent bladder infections
People who experience frequent bladder infections, urinary tract infections, or bladder stones might also be at an increased risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma.
Exposure to some chemicals
Experts say that people working with the chemicals used in paints, dyes, rubber, textures, and hairdressing supplies can also heighten their risk of developing bladder cancer.
Chronic catheter use
Those with a chronic need for a catheter in their bladder might also be at an increased risk of bladder cancer.

Treatments
Doctors may recommend several options for treating bladder cancer. However, the treatment plan devised by your doctor depends on the disease’s stage and location. Further, the treatment approach also depends on your health history and age. A team of experts from various disciplines in the field of cancer can suggest suitable options considering the individual diagnosis, any potential side effects, and the patient’s preferences. Some commonly suggested treatments include:

Targeted therapy
Immunotherapy
Chemotherapy
Radiation therapy
Surgery

Surgery is usually the initial treatment option in early-stage bladder cancers, as the tumors are unlikely to have metastasized to distant body areas. Beyond these options, research and clinical trials on many newer therapies are ongoing. Before you begin treatment, ask your doctor whether enrolling in a clinical trial could be the correct approach for your case.