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Signs and Symptoms of Bladder Cancer in Children

In 2002, the American Cancer Society reported that cancer is the leading cause of death by disease in children up to age 14. The symptoms of bladder cancer are the same in both children and adults. According to the University of California in San Francisco, bladder cancer is an invasive form of cancer because it can metastasize and spread beyond the walls of the bladder.

  1. Blood and Changes in Urine

    • According to the Mayo Clinic, blood in the urine is a primary symptom of bladder cancer. Seeing blood in your child's urine is distressing, for both you and your child. However, the presence of blood is not always visible. Sometimes blood can only be detected microscopically in a urine sample. A child with bladder cancer may also notice that his urine is dark yellow or even brown at times.

    Frequent Urination

    • Frequent urination is another sign of bladder cancer. Children who have bladder cancer will need to use the bathroom more often. A child who drinks a lot of fluids may urinate often; but if you notice your child is in the bathroom several times per hour, call your doctor. There may also be accompanying stomach pain with urination, and some children may have accidents because they are not able to make it to the bathroom in time.

    Painful Urination

    • Another sign of bladder cancer is pain during urination. Your child will be quite vocal with you in terms of expressing pain or discomfort. Pain can also be a sign of a bladder infection. Give your child cranberry juice and additional fluids to see if the pain subsides. If your child continues to feel discomfort, seek immediate medical treatment. Keep in mind that these symptoms can also be a sign of kidney stones or other bladder problems. Only a doctor can make a proper diagnosis.

    Back Pain

    • Another symptom associated with bladder cancer in children is back pain. The kidneys and bladder are connected; and when the bladder is irritated, the kidneys are also affected. Your child may complain of back pain in the mid to lower back.

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