What is bladder cancer?
Bladder cancer is a cancer that develops in the cells that line the bladder. Most cases start in the urothelial cells, which are the cells that cover the lining of the bladder. There are several types of bladder cancer:
▸ Urothelial carcinoma: The most common type, accounting for more than 90% of bladder cancer cases.
▸ Squamous cell carcinoma: Less common and associated with chronic inflammation or infection.
▸ Adenocarcinoma: Very rare and starts in the glands in the lining of the bladder.
What are the symptoms of bladder cancer?
▸ Blood in the urine (rust color)
▸ Feeling the urge to urinate
▸ Urging to urinate more often than before
▸ Feeling the urge to urinate but not being able to urinate
▸ Having to strain or strain to urinate
▸ Pain when urinating
What are the risk factors for bladder cancer?
Understanding the causes and risk factors for bladder cancer is important for early detection and prevention.
▸ Smoking: Chemicals in tobacco can irritate the lining of the bladder over time, increasing the risk of cancer.
▸Age and gender: Bladder cancer is more common in middle-aged and elderly people, and the incidence rate in men is three times that of women.
▸Chemical exposure: Long-term exposure to industrial chemicals (such as aniline dyes, paints, etc.) can increase the risk of bladder cancer.
▸Chronic bladder inflammation: Long-term bladder inflammation or parasitic infections (such as schistosomiasis) may be associated with squamous cell carcinoma.
▸Family history of cancer: A family history of related diseases may slightly increase the risk.
How is bladder cancer diagnosed?
▸Urine test
▸Urine cytology
▸Cysoscopy
▸Biopsy
If you are diagnosed with bladder cancer, your doctor will determine the stage of the disease. There are several staging systems for bladder cancer. The following stages may be divided into:
Stage 0: The cancer has not spread beyond the lining of the bladder.
Stage 1: The cancer has spread beyond the lining of the bladder, but has not penetrated the bladder muscle layer.
Stage 2: The cancer has spread to the bladder muscle layer.
Stage 3: The cancer has spread to the tissues around the bladder.
Stage 4: The cancer has spread beyond the bladder to other parts of the body.
What are the treatments for bladder cancer?
▸Surgery: Removal of tumor cells and surrounding tissue.
▸Chemotherapy: Use of drugs to destroy cancer cells.
▸Immunotherapy: Use of natural or man-made substances to improve or enhance the function of the body's immune system.
▸Radiation therapy: Use of X-rays or other high-energy waves or particles to kill cancer cells.
Is bladder cancer curable?
Bladder cancer can often be successfully treated if caught early, but advanced cancer can present greater challenges for patients and their medical teams. As discussed later, people with bladder cancer are at risk for recurrence; early detection is again important to have the best chance of successfully treating recurrent cancer.
How can bladder cancer be prevented?
▸Quit smoking
▸Avoid exposure to harmful chemicals
▸Maintain a healthy diet
▸Treat chronic cystitis promptly
Bladder cancer is a complex disease that requires early detection and appropriate treatment. Understanding the cause, recognizing symptoms, and seeking medical attention promptly are key steps in effectively treating bladder cancer. The prognosis for bladder cancer continues to improve with advances in treatment options and ongoing research. Individuals can reduce their risk of bladder cancer by adopting preventive strategies and a healthy lifestyle. Remember, early detection and aggressive management are critical to successful treatment.
