Bladder Cancer Overview
Bladder cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the bladder, a hollow, muscular organ in the pelvis that stores urine until it is eliminated from the body. The most common type of bladder cancer is urothelial carcinoma, which starts in the urothelial cells that line the inside of the bladder. Other less common types include squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma.
**Risk Factors**
Several factors can increase the risk of developing bladder cancer, including:
1. **Tobacco Use**: The most significant risk factor, accounting for about half of all cases.
2. **Exposure to Chemicals**: Certain industrial chemicals, such as those used in dye, rubber, leather, and paint manufacturing, increase the risk.
3. **Chronic Bladder Infections or Inflammation**: Long-term use of urinary catheters and a history of bladder schistosomiasis (a parasitic infection) can increase the risk.
4. **Age**: Most cases occur in people over the age of 55.
5. **Gender**: Men are about three to four times more likely to develop bladder cancer than women.
6. **Family History**: Having a close relative with bladder cancer increases the risk slightly.
7. **Race**: Whites are more likely to develop bladder cancer than African Americans, Hispanics, or Asians.
**Symptoms**
Early-stage bladder cancer may not cause symptoms, but as it grows, common signs and symptoms include:
- Blood in the urine (hematuria), which may be visible to the naked eye or only detected by a doctor during a urine test
- Pain or burning during urination
- Frequent urination, including during the night
- Feeling the need to urinate but producing little or no urine
**Diagnosis**
Diagnosis of bladder cancer typically involves:
1. **Urinalysis**: A test to check for blood, cancer cells, or other abnormal substances in the urine.
2. **Cystoscopy**: A procedure in which a thin, lighted tube (cystoscope) is inserted through the urethra to examine the inside of the bladder.
3. **Biopsy**: Taking a small sample of tissue from the bladder lining to check for cancer cells.
4. **Imaging Tests**: Such as CT scans, MRI scans, or ultrasound, may be used to determine if the cancer has spread beyond the bladder.
**Treatment**
Treatment for bladder cancer depends on several factors, including the type and stage of cancer, the patient's overall health, and whether the cancer is superficial (confined to the inner lining of the bladder) or invasive (has spread to deeper layers of the bladder or other tissues). Common treatment options include:
1. **Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor (TURBT)**: Surgical removal of bladder tumors through the urethra.
2. **Intravesical Therapy**: The administration of medication directly into the bladder through a catheter to kill cancer cells or prevent their recurrence.
3. **Radical Cystectomy**: Surgical removal of the entire bladder, possibly along with nearby lymph nodes, part of the urethra, and other affected organs.
4. **Chemotherapy**: The use of drugs to kill cancer cells or stop their growth, which may be administered orally, intravenously, or directly into the bladder.
5. **Immunotherapy**: Treatments that help the body's immune system recognize and attack cancer cells.
**Prevention**
While not all cases of bladder cancer can be prevented, certain steps may help reduce the risk:
- Quit smoking and avoid exposure to tobacco smoke.
- Minimize exposure to known bladder cancer-causing chemicals.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.
- Practice good hygiene to prevent urinary tract infections.
Regular check-ups with a healthcare provider are also important, especially for individuals with risk factors for bladder cancer.
