What should you know about feline bladder cancer?

If you are asking about a person, Bladder Cancer begins in cells lining the bladder and may cause blood in the urine, changes in urination, pelvic discomfort, or Difficulty Passing Urine. These symptoms can also come from infection, stones, prostate problems, or other causes. A urinary symptom does not by itself prove cancer. If the question concerns a cat, a veterinary surgeon should assess the animal rather than relying on human medical information.

For a person, arrange medical review for visible blood in urine, recurring urinary symptoms, or a change that does not settle. Evaluation may include urine testing, examination, imaging, and Cystoscopy, in which a camera examines the bladder. A tissue sample may be needed to identify the cells involved. For a cat, contact a veterinarian promptly and bring any record of straining, accidents, blood, or reduced urine.

Seek emergency help for inability to pass urine, severe lower abdominal pain, heavy bleeding or clots in urine, faintness, fever with flank pain, or rapid worsening. Urine blockage can be dangerous. In a cat, inability to urinate, repeated straining, vomiting, weakness, or collapse is an emergency requiring veterinary care.

Are my urinary symptoms more consistent with infection, stones, prostate disease, or another cause? Do I need Cystoscopy or a biopsy? If cancer is found, could treatment include Bladder Removal Surgery, Chemotherapy, Immunotherapy, or Intravesical BCG Therapy?