ABOUT THE DISEASE

Cancer is the growth of abnormal cells in the body, that form masses, called tumors. In bladder cancer, these growths happen in the bladder. The most common type of bladder cancer is transitional cell carcinoma, which begins in urothelial cells that line the inside of the bladder. Other types of bladder cancer include squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma.

It typically affects older adults, though it can occur at any age. The great majority of bladder cancers are diagnosed at an early stage, when it is easier to treat. Since recurrence may occur, regular followup is advised.

SYMPTOMS

• • Blood in urine (hematuria)
• • Frequent urination
• • Painful urination
• • Back pain
• • Pelvic pain
• • Frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs)

In advanced cases, there may be:

• • Weight loss
• • Bone pain or pain in the rectal, anal, or pelvic area
• • Anemia

CAUSES

The cause may not be identified in all cases. Changes in the genetic material (DNA) of bladder cells, chemicals in the environment and cigarette smoking may play a role. Also when the lining of the bladder is irritated for a long time, cell changes that lead to cancer may occur, as due to radiation treatment, having catheters in place for a long time, or having schistosomiasis (a parasitic infection).

Bladder cancer is twice as likely to develop in smokers than in nonsmokers. Exposure to chemicals and other substances at work-including dyes, paints, leather dust, etc may also cause bladder cancer.

DIAGNOSIS

- Cystoscopy
- Biopsy
- Urine Cytology
- Imaging Tests
- Blood tests such as complete blood count etc

TREATMENT METHODS

Treatment depends on the stage and grade of cancer, along with clinical status/age of patient.

Bladder cancer has a better chance of being treated successfully if it is found early.

Treatment choices here include:

• Surgery to remove the cancer. Surgery, either alone or along with other treatments, is used in most cases. It can be in form of TURBT, partial or complete cystectomy.
• Chemotherapy to destroy cancer cells using medicines. It may be given before or after surgery.
• Radiation therapy to destroy cancer cells using high-dose X-rays or other high-energy rays. Radiation therapy may also be given before or after surgery and may be given at the same time as chemotherapy.
• Immunotherapy /Biological therapy-generally given as intravesical therapy, eg. BCG, Interferon, etc.

You may also like to learn about:

Bladder stones/calculi
Hematuria
Frequent/urgent urination
Urinary tract infections
Kidney cancer
Cancer metastatic