Content
Contents In this article, we will take a look at:
- What is Bladder Cancer?
- How does Bladder Cancer occur?
- Who is prone to Bladder Cancer?
- Symptoms of Bladder Cancer
- Diagnosis of Bladder Cancer
- Complications of a Bladder Cancer
- Treatment for Bladder Cancer
- In the Spotlight
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What is Bladder cancer?
Bladder cancer starts with the unmanageable growth of cells in the bladder. It generally starts in the innermost lining of the bladder. The increase in cancer cells leads to the formation of a tumor, which might spread and make the disease unmanageable.
Bladder cancer can affect the pelvic area and if the tumor spreads then all the other nearby organs can also be at risk.
Bladder cancer is of three types- Transitional cell carcinoma, Squamous cell carcinoma, and Adenocarcinoma.
- Transitional cell carcinoma
- This is the most common bladder cancer, starting in the inner layer of the bladder. It starts with the formation of transitional cells in the bladder.
- Squamous cell carcinoma
- This starts with the formation of squamous cells in the bladder, which is the result of any prolonged infection or irritation in the bladder.
- Adenocarcinoma
- This type of bladder cancer starts with the formation of glandular cells in the bladder, after prolonged irritation and inflammation.
How does bladder cancer occur?
There is no definite cause known for bladder cancer. It begins with the growth and rapid multiplication of abnormal cells in the bladder.
Bladder cancer, like other cancers, too marks its development in five stages
- Stage 0: In this stage, the cancer is limited within the lining of the bladder.
- Stage I: Cancer has spread beyond the lining but still not reached the layer of muscle.
- Stage II: This stage means that cancer has spread to the layer of muscle in the bladder.
- Stage III: Cancer has spread in the tissues surrounding the bladder.
- Stage IV: Cancer has advanced and reached nearby parts of the body.
Who is prone to bladder cancer?
You could be at the risk of developing bladder cancer if
- You smoke
- You are exposed to harmful chemicals
- You take more of fried meat and animal fats in your diet
- Drink fewer fluids ( especially water) Have chronic bladder infection
- You are white in color Have a genetic history of bladder cancer
Men are more prone to bladder cancer as compared to women. It is more likely to occur at a senior age.
What are the symptoms of bladder cancer? How is bladder cancer diagnosed?
The symptoms of bladder cancer include
- Blood in urine
- Compulsion to urinate but unable to do so
- Frequent urination and very less urine
- Dark urine
- Burning sensation and pain during urination
- Pain in lower back
Diagnosis
After suspecting bladder cancer, the doctor may perform a urinalysis, cystoscopy or biopsy. An intravenous pyelogram (IVF) can also be part of the diagnosis or an internal examination can also be conducted. The doctor might perform a CT scan and X-rays to analyze the seriousness of cancer.
What are the complications of bladder cancer?
If diagnosed in its initial stage, bladder cancer can be cured and stopped from affecting the other organs. However, this cancer is generally diagnosed at the later stage, making it quite difficult to get cured completely. The treatment has more complications than the bladder cancer itself. Few complications which can happen due to this cancer are:
- Infertility in women( in the case of uterus removal
- Menopause(in case of ovaries removal)
- Sexual dysfunction in men and women
- Infertility in men( in case of prostate removal
What is the treatment for bladder cancer?
The treatment solely depends on the stage of bladder cancer. In the initial stage, surgery can be done to remove the tumor, followed by medication. Second and third stage might involve removal of the affected part of the bladder or complete bladder, depending upon the seriousness of tumor.
In the last stage, radical cystectomy is done and nearby lymph nodes are removed. Another surgery is done to make a new way of passing urine. Radiation therapy is also provided to shrink the tumor before the surgery, in any of the required stages. Chemotherapy is also given to finish off with the remaining cancer cells. Proper medication is done to avoid a relapse of the symptoms.
In the Spotlight
- Bladder cancer affects around 3.4 million people globally
- It affects people (especially men) between 65-85 years of age
- 95% bladder cancers are transitional cell carcinoma
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