UTI or urinary tract infection is inflammation in any part of the urinary system. A urinary tract infection can take place in the Kidneys, urethra, ureters, or bladder. There are many reasons for UTIs. Since it is common in both men and women therefore people often have questions such as can recurrent UTIs be a sign of cancer.
Sometimes, urinary tract infection does not have any sign of symptoms which can even cause worse complications in the future. Some of the signs and symptoms of UTI are similar to cancers like pelvic pain or blood in the urine. Many people have a habit of not seeking professional health but rather making their own diagnosis. When it comes to frequent UTIs people are often confused that can recurrent UTIs be a sign of cancer. In this article, we will tell you everything about UTI and its connection with cancer.
What is UTIs
Urinary tract infection is a problem that occurs in the urinary system. It takes place in parts such as the kidneys, urethra, ureter, and bladder. It is an inconvenient painful situation in which the urinary system does not work properly. There are many signs and symptoms of UTIs both mild and severe.
UTI symptoms
Even if someone is not suffering from a urinary tract infection they may experience similar symptoms of UTI. The symptoms may include pelvic pain, blood in the urine, or painful urination. The symptoms of UTI can have similarities to other diseases. It is very important to make the appropriate diagnosis of the disease before starting your treatment. When you will note down the accurate symptoms of urinary tract infection and tell your health care provider then you can get proper treatment.
Only the sign and symptoms can decide If you need medical help or if you are only suffering from a minor urinary tract infection. The symptoms depend on the type and severity of UTI. If you are suffering from a complicated UTI then you will have worse symptoms and will need immediate medical help.
Following are some of the most common symptoms of urinary tract infection
⦁ An urge to urinate
⦁ Smelly cloudy dark colored urine
⦁ Blood particles present in urine
⦁ Pelvic pain
⦁ Abdominal or back pain
⦁ Burning sensation
⦁ Fever or chills
⦁ Tiredness fatigue
⦁ Nausea vomiting
⦁ Vaginismus.
The urinary tract infection symptoms do not show up in men and women with weak immune systems. Most of the time, men and women who have crossed the age of 65 to 85 do not show symptoms of UTI. It is even more dangerous because it can directly impact health and there is less time left for diagnosis and treatment.
How UTIs diagnose
The most common way of UTI diagnosis is by analyzing the urine sample. Under a microscope, a urine sample is analyzed to detect bacteria along with the other components of urine. It will show the reason for infections. It will tell whether the reason for UTI is bacteria or yeast. If you notice blood particles in your urine then you should seek immediate medical help so that the doctor can plan a CT- scan to detect the problem in your urinary tract system.
Can Recurrent UTIs be a sign of Cancer?
Although it is rare but still, recurrent UTI can be a sign of bladder or cervical cancer. It depends on the severity and stage of your cancer whether the urine will consist of blood particles in it or not. According to the severity of the cancer, the pain threshold also varies.
People are often confused as can recurring UTI is sign of Cancer because the symptoms of UTI and cancer are similar such as painful urination, pelvic pain, blood present in the urine, and a burning sensation while urination. However, still one should not think that they are suffering from cancer due to the similarities.
Only of physician can conclude based on a medical diagnosis that you are suffering from UTI or cancer. The symptoms cannot decide the disease instead clinical presentation can make an accurate diagnosis. The recurrent UTIs also are connected with benign cells that cause urinary tract obstruction.
When should I worry about a recurring UTI?
Many symptoms of UTI infection such as an urge to urinate, frequent pelvic pain, and a burning sensation while urination similar to bladder cancer. Based on symptoms the diagnosis will be a little bit challenging between Bladder cancer and UTI. However, if you find blood in your urine it is the point when you should be worried about your recurring UTI because usually in mild UTI person does not experience hematuria. When you experience such symptoms then you should take care of your health and visit a physician.
When you are taking antibiotics for the treatment, UTIs are often easily cured. However, if you are suffering from bladder cancer it will not go away easily with the help of antibiotics or other medication. Therefore, if you have completed your antibiotic course still you are suffering from similar signs and symptoms then you should consult a doctor because it can be a sign of other health problems such as cancer, kidney problem, or several UTI diseases. Recurrent UTI can also be life-threatening due to urosepsis. When the bacteria causing UTI infection spreads in the whole body it may cause symptoms such as difficulty in breathing, pain in the body, fever, chills, extreme dizziness, tiredness, fatigue, and confusion.
UTI Symptoms in Women
The symptoms of urinary tract infection in women include
⦁ Burning sensation while urination
⦁ Frequent urination
⦁ Pelvic pain
⦁ Lower back and abdomen pain
⦁ Painful intercourse
⦁ Fever and chills
⦁ Nausea and vomiting
⦁ Vaginismus.
Bladder cancer symptoms
Following are the major symptoms of bladder cancer
⦁ Loss of appetite
⦁ Lower back pain
⦁ Hematuria or blood in the urine
⦁ Difficulty in urination
⦁ Burning sensation while urination
⦁ Swollen feet
⦁ Rapid weight loss
⦁ Extreme weakness, fatigue, or tiredness.
Conclusion
We hope that this article must have been helpful in resolving your query such as can recurrent UTIs be a sign of cancer. If a person is suffering from recurring UTI it is difficult to diagnose whether it is only UTI or cancer. Only urine tests and clinical representations can conclude an accurate diagnosis. Still one should be alert regarding the signs and symptoms they experience.
