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Bladder cancer refers to the abnormal growth of cells in the bladder, which is a hollow organ in the lower abdomen responsible for storing urine.
Tobacco use, including smoking cigarettes, is a leading risk factor for bladder cancer.
Exposure to certain chemicals and substances like arsenic, certain dyes, and certain industrial chemicals.
Chronic bladder inflammation or infections.
Advancing age.
Family history of bladder cancer.
Previous radiation treatment.
Blood in urine (hematuria) is the most common and noticeable symptom. Blood may appear red or rusty brown.
Frequent urination.
Painful urination.
Urgency to urinate.
Lower back pain.
Pelvic pain.
Fatigue and weight loss in the advanced stages.
1. Surgery: Surgery is often the primary treatment for bladder cancer. Options may include: - Transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT): Removal of cancerous bladder tissues using a thin tube passed through the urethra. - Partial or radical cystectomy: Removal of part or all of the bladder. - Urinary diversion: Creation of a new way for urine to be stored and eliminated from the body when the bladder is removed.
2. Chemotherapy: Medications are used to kill cancer cells and can be given: - Intravesical chemotherapy: Directly into the bladder through a catheter to treat early-stage tumors. - Systemic chemotherapy: Given orally or intravenously to treat more advanced or metastatic bladder cancer.
3. Immunotherapy: Drugs that stimulate the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells may be used for certain types of bladder cancer, such as Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) therapy.
4. Radiation Therapy: High-energy radiation directed at the cancerous cells can be used, either externally or through internal placement of radioactive materials.
5. Targeted Therapy: In cases where specific genetic mutations are present, targeted drugs can be used to block the growth and spread of cancer cells.
While there is no guaranteed method to prevent bladder cancer, certain lifestyle choices can lower the risk. These include avoiding tobacco use, practicing good hygiene, staying hydrated, and minimizing exposure to harmful chemicals and substances.
Bladder cancer can be diagnosed through various tests, including urine tests to detect blood or abnormal cells, imaging tests like CT scans or ultrasounds, cystoscopy to examine the bladder, and biopsies to collect tissue samples for further analysis.
Bladder cancer is staged based on how far it has spread. The stages include non-invasive (confined to the inner lining of the bladder), invasive (spreading into deeper layers of the bladder wall), locally advanced (extending beyond the bladder), and metastatic (spreading to distant organs).
In addition to smoking and exposure to certain chemicals, other risk factors for bladder cancer include a history of bladder infections or issues, long-term use of catheters, certain medications, exposure to radiation or chemotherapy, and a family history of the disease.
The long-term effects of bladder cancer depend on the stage and type of treatment received. Possible complications can include urinary difficulties, the need for urinary diversions or bladder reconstruction, sexual dysfunction, psychological impact, and an increased risk of developing additional cancers.