Cervical cancer radiation cystitis symptoms

The symptoms of cervical cancer radiation cystitis mainly include frequent urination, urgency, dysuria, hematuria and lower abdominal pain. Radiation cystitis is a common complication after radiotherapy for cervical cancer. It is usually caused by radiation damage to the bladder mucosa and requires prompt medical treatment.

1. Frequent urination

Frequent urination is characterized by a significant increase in the frequency of urination, but less urine output each time. In patients with radiation cystitis, the bladder mucosa is stimulated by radiation and becomes more sensitive, leading to frequent urge to urinate. You may urinate more than 10 times during the day, and you may wake up frequently at night. Patients need to keep a urination diary and avoid stimulating drinks such as caffeine. If necessary, they can use solifenacin succinate tablets as directed by their doctor to relieve symptoms.

2. Urgency to urinate

Urgency refers to a sudden and strong desire to urinate, often accompanied by urinary incontinence. Radiation damages the neuromodulatory function of the bladder, causing overactivity of the bladder detrusor muscle. Patients may leak urine before going to the toilet. It is recommended to wear absorbent pads and perform pelvic floor muscle training. Medications such as flavoxate hydrochloride tablets can help suppress overactive bladder.

3. Dysuria

Painful urination is characterized by a burning or stinging sensation in the urethra or bladder area during urination. Radiation can cause congestion, edema, and even ulcers in the bladder mucosa, and urine can irritate the damaged mucosa and cause pain. Pain during urination may radiate to the perineum, and severe cases may cause fear of urination due to pain. You can use sodium bicarbonate tablets to alkalize urine as directed by your doctor, or take oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen extended-release capsules to relieve symptoms.

4. Hematuria

Hematuria is divided into microscopic hematuria and gross hematuria. In the latter, the urine can be seen as watery or bright red. Radiation damages the blood vessels of the bladder mucosa, resulting in increased fragility of the blood vessels and rupture and bleeding. The degree of bleeding ranges from slight blood streaks to large amounts of blood clots. In severe cases, blood clots may form and block the urethra. Bed rest is required, increase fluid intake, and use hemostatic drugs such as tranexamic acid tablets if necessary. Severe bleeding requires bladder instillation treatment.

5. Lower abdominal pain

Persistent dull pain or paroxysmal cramping in the lower abdomen are common symptoms. Radiation causes fibrosis and contracture of the bladder wall, resulting in reduced bladder capacity and spasmodic pain. The pain may radiate to the lumbosacral region and may worsen after urination. You can try local hot compress to avoid holding in urine. When the pain is obvious, you can use antispasmodic drugs such as drotaverine hydrochloride tablets. If fever and low back pain occur, be alert for urinary tract infection.

Patients with cervical cancer radiation cystitis should maintain a daily water intake of 2000-3000 ml and dilute urine to reduce irritation. Avoid spicy, alcoholic and other irritating foods and choose a light and easy-to-digest diet. Wear loose-fitting cotton underwear to keep your perineum clean and dry. Record the urination situation, including frequency, urine volume, pain level, etc., for reference by the doctor during follow-up visits. If symptoms continue to worsen or fever, low back pain, etc. occur, seek medical attention immediately to rule out complications such as urinary tract infection. Cystoscopy and routine urine examinations are performed regularly to evaluate the repair status of the bladder mucosa.