Hematuria, the presence of red blood cells in urine, comes in two forms: gross hematuria, visible to the naked eye as red or pink urine or blood clots, and microscopic hematuria, detectable only through urinalysis. Gross hematuria, particularly when painless, is a significant warning sign often associated with urinary tract malignancies, especially bladder cancer.

Most bladder cancer patients first experience painless hematuria. This condition often appears suddenly and may resolve within days, leading patients to mistakenly believe they have recovered. In reality, this indicates a stage where the tumor grows and damages blood vessels on the bladder's mucosal surface. Patients might also experience other symptoms, such as frequent urination, urgent urination, or a constant feeling of needing to urinate.

Dr. Pham Cao Thap answers patient questions about bladder cancer. *Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital*

Given these symptoms, Trong Nghia should consult a urology specialist for diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Bladder cancer, when detected early and confined to the mucosal layer, has a high treatment success rate. If left untreated, the tumor can invade the bladder muscle, metastasize to nearby organs, or spread through the bloodstream and lymphatic system throughout the body. At this advanced stage, treatment becomes complex, costly, and the prognosis significantly diminishes.

At Tam Anh General Hospital Ho Chi Minh City, doctors utilize various advanced diagnostic methods to accurately identify the condition, including: urinary tract ultrasound, urinalysis, and cystoscopy. If a tumor is found, a biopsy may be performed for pathological analysis, along with CT/MRI scans to assess the tumor's invasion into adjacent organs.

Depending on the disease stage, doctors may perform transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) combined with intravesical chemotherapy for early-stage cases. In more advanced stages, patients might require robotic surgery to remove part or all of the bladder, often supplemented with chemo-radiotherapy.

Trong Nghia should drink plenty of water, limit exposure to toxic chemicals, and avoid smoking, which is a leading risk factor for bladder cancer.

This information was provided by Dr. Pham Cao Thap, from the Department of Urology, Center for Urology - Nephrology - Andrology at Tam Anh General Hospital Ho Chi Minh City. Readers are invited to submit questions about kidney and urological diseases for expert answers.