Bladder cancer is a very common kind of cancer that starts in the cells of the bladder. Bladder cancer usually begins in the urothelial cells that line the bladder. These cells are also present in the kidneys and the ureters, which means that the same kind of cellular problems can happen in these body parts, along with the bladder. Bladder cancer is often detected early, which makes it fairly easy to treat in most patients.
The common symptoms of bladder cancer are:
The cause of bladder cancer is mutations in the DNA of the cells of the bladder. These cells can divide rapidly, causing a tumour to form. The abnormal cells might also break free from the mass in the bladder and move to other parts of the body, transferring cancer to these body parts as well.
There are different kinds of bladder cancer. Urothelial carcinoma happens in the cells that line the bladder. Squamous Cell Carcinoma is caused by long-term and consistent irritation of the bladder from things like an infection or from urinary catheters. Parasites can also cause this kind of cancer. Adenocarcinoma is a cancer that begins in the cells that form the mucus-secreting glands of the bladder and is very rare.
The risk factors for bladder cancer are:
Diagnosis of bladder cancer is usually made by using a cystoscope to look at the bladder. Bladder biopsies can be taken as well to confirm the diagnosis of cancer. Urine samples can show cancer cells in more advanced cases. Imaging tests like CT scans or urograms can also give doctors a clear picture of the condition of the bladder.
An oncologist will be involved in the diagnosis process, and they will identify the type of cancer and assign the cancer a grade. There is both low-grade and high-grade bladder cancer, and the treatment protocol for each is unique.
Prevention of bladder cancer is not always possible. However, if you smoke, you should quit. You should also be sure to eat a healthy diet, get lots of exercise and drink enough water. Be sure that you talk to your doctor if you have symptoms of a bladder infection, and also, be sure that you reach out for medical care if you see blood in your urine. If you are using urinary catheters, you should make sure that you have your technique down correctly and be sure to take all steps to avoid bladder infections caused by catheter use.
Most bladder cancer patients will need surgery to remove the tumour or mass that the cancer has caused. Chemotherapy of the bladder is also often required to help treat cells that were not connected with the mass itself. Systemic chemotherapy is not always used to treat this condition but can be appropriate in those with cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.
In some patients, radiation therapy is needed to help destroy cells in the bladder that are cancerous. Targeted therapy can also be successful in some patients who have not responded to other treatment protocols. In very rare cases, the entire bladder can be removed, and neobladder reconstruction is done to help make a new reservoir for urine.