Bladder Cancer: Ways to Detect A Serious Problem

Not Being Able To Pass Urine

An individual who reports not being able to pass urine can be a manifestation of bladder cancer. The urinary tract functions to drain urine from the body. The kidneys filter these unneeded fluids and wastes out of the bloodstream. The urine then flows down two small narrow muscular tubes called ureters. From the ureters, urine flows into an individual's bladder. The bladder expands to accommodate urine. As the bladder fills up to its fluid capacity, nerves in the region send signals to the brain that it is time to urinate. The individual then controls when and where the sphincters in the bladder and urethra open to allow urine to flow out. The muscles around the bladder and the sphincters work together to hold urine in the bladder until the individual is ready to urinate. Bladder cancer can expand to the point where it causes one or more of the sphincters to be unable to open. A bladder tumor can also compress and pinch the urethra itself, which prevents urine from being excreted. In addition, malignant bladder tumors can grow in and around the bladder outlet, not allowing urine to pass.

Read about more warning signs of bladder cancer now.