Bladder cancer
Bladder Cancer: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Modern Treatment
Bladder cancer most commonly presents with painless blood in the urine. This guide explains how it is diagnosed and the treatments available at each stage.
Written and clinically reviewed by
Mr Haitham Teleb
Consultant Urological Surgeon · MBBCh, MRCS, MSc, FRCS (Urol)
- Reading time
- 7 min read
- Date published
- 1 November 2025
- Last reviewed
- 1 June 2026
How bladder cancer presents
The most common symptom is painless visible blood in the urine. Less commonly, patients experience recurrent urinary infections, urgency or discomfort passing urine.
Diagnosis
Assessment includes a flexible cystoscopy to inspect the bladder lining, urine cytology and cross-sectional imaging of the kidneys, ureters and bladder.
If a tumour is identified, a further procedure (TURBT) is performed to remove it and confirm the diagnosis histologically.
Treatment
Treatment depends on how deeply the tumour has invaded the bladder wall and its biological features.
- Endoscopic resection for non-muscle-invasive disease
- Intravesical therapy (BCG or chemotherapy) to reduce recurrence
- Radical cystectomy or radiotherapy for muscle-invasive disease
- Systemic therapy for advanced disease, coordinated with oncology
Frequently asked questions
This article provides general information only and does not replace individual medical advice. For personalised guidance, please arrange a private consultation.
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FRCS (Urol)
Fellowship-trained consultant
5.0 patient rating
Verified private reviews
Seen within days
Same-week appointments
All major insurers
BUPA · AXA · Aviva · Vitality · WPA