Doctors are not always sure what causes cancer. With bladder cancer, smoking and chemical exposure can increase one’s risk, but squamous cell carcinoma of the bladder is usually linked to chronic inflammation.
While health effects can vary according to the type of bladder cancer, symptoms often include:
These symptoms all require immediate evaluation from a medical professional, as they can also be indicative of other serious medical conditions.
Schistosomiasis is a parasitic infection that can cause both acute and chronic effects. Chronic forms of the condition are linked to long-term inflammation of the bladder, which can increase one’s risk of squamous cell carcinoma. Avoiding infection is the best way to manage your bladder cancer risk, so at-risk groups should investigate preventative treatments.
In addition to schistosomiasis, people who use a catheter to eliminate urine also experience a heightened chance of developing squamous cell bladder cancer. Urinary catheters use a small, thin tube to extract urine from the bladder and deposit it into a bag on the outside of the body. Some people only use catheters temporarily, while others may require them for a long time, in which case proper care is a must to manage swelling.
It is sometimes possible to use surgery to remove bladder tumours, but your treatment will depend on factors like your general health status and whether the cancer has spread to other areas. Your medical team may also recommend other treatments in addition to surgery, including:
While bladder cancer treatment is often successful, many people experience a relapse of symptoms at some point. That is why doctors recommend regular screening once treatment is complete, which ensures that new bouts of cancer are detected immediately.