Pain in the bladder is generally caused by other conditions, and therefore, need to be diagnosed and treated by a physician. Under most circumstances, patients will first be examined for bladder stones or a UTI (urinary tract infection). A doctor ill diagnose the condition by taking samples or ultrasounds (if bladder stones are present). A cystoscopy may be also be done, by inserting a small tube through the urethra in order to view the inside of the bladder. After diagnostic procedures are performed, a medical professional will then discern the most effective treatment. The majority of bladder infections can be treated at home simply by drinking plenty of water, urinating often, and avoiding sugary and salty foods—even after symptoms are relieved. However, if the symptoms of infection are not reduced within 24-48 hours, stronger prescription treatments may be required. Doctors use various antibiotics to eliminate infections, the course of most lasting only approximately 3 days or so. A more serious infection could possibly require up to a week of treatment.

When it comes to reducing pain caused by bladder cancer, more serious and direct steps are taken. Treatment is based on a number of factors including the tumor’s size, location, depth of growth into the wall of the bladder, and how far it has spread. Once these things have been determined, the cancer’s progression is recognized as being in one of five stages:

• Stage 0—this stage is more easily treated because at this point, the cancer has not spread beyond the inner layer of the bladder. Treatment involves minimally invasive procedures that are usually repeated every 3-6 months.
   
• Stage 1—at Stage 1, the cancer has begun to spread into the layer of connective tissue. This grade of bladder cancer is generally treated very similar to Stage0, but if the tumor is large, a cystectomy will be performed to sop the cancer from growing or spreading elsewhere. Though less effective, radiation therapy may also be a treatment option.
   
• Stage 2—at this point, cancer cells still cannot be found outside of the bladder. However, Stage 2 bladder cancer requires aggressive treatment because the tumor has reached the bladder’s muscle layer, and oftentimes there are miniscule cancer cells growing elsewhere in the body. These virtually undetectable cancerous cells have the potential to be life-threatening; therefore, chemotherapy is a key part of the initial treatment.
   
• Stage 3—this stage is extremely serious, as the tumor has spread outside of the bladder and is at risk of causing damage to other organs. In cases of Stage 3 bladder cancer, the patient undergoes chemotherapy before surgery in order to help shrink the tumor. This makes removing the tumor easier and may kill cancer cells in other parts of the body. While this procedure is very effective at successfully extracting tumors, it has not been concluded whether it helps patients actually live longer.
   
• Stage 4—this severe grade of bladder cancer requires intense chemotherapy and multiple cystectomies in attempts to remove all of the tumors. However, this is extremely difficult, as the cancer has spread widely to other parts of the body at this point. The goal of Stage 4 treatment is to slow the cancer’s growth and to help the patient live longer, and relieve symptoms, if possible.