UNDERSTANDING BLADDER CANCER
Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
What is Bladder Cancer?
The cells of the bladder, a hollow organ that holds urine, are where bladder cancer begins to develop. Transitional cell carcinoma, the most prevalent form of bladder cancer, starts in the cells that lining the inside of the bladder.
Squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma are two less common kinds of bladder cancer.
Causes:
Although the precise cause of bladder cancer is unknown, several factors that may contribute to its occurrence have been noted. The following are some bladder cancer risk factors:
Smoking: The biggest risk factor for bladder cancer is smoking. Bladder cancer is up to four times more likely to occur in smokers.
Exposure to specific chemicals can raise the chance of developing bladder cancer. Examples of these chemicals include those used to make dyes, rubber, textiles, and leather.
Family history: Having bladder cancer in the family increases your risk of getting it.
Age: Bladder cancer tends to affect older persons more frequently, with most cases happening in those over 55.
Gender: Men are around three times as likely as women to acquire bladder cancer.
Chronic bladder infections: People who frequently or continuously get bladder infections may be at a higher risk of developing bladder cancer.
Symptoms:
Blood in the urine is the most typical sign of bladder cancer, albeit it may not always be apparent to the naked eye.
Additional signs of bladder cancer could include:
Having a painful or burning urinating
Often urinating
Compulsion to urinate
Being unable to urinate
Lower back ache
Pelvic discomfort
Continent pain
Reduced appetite
Loss of weight
Fatigue
Diagnosis:
Urine analysis: To check for the presence of blood or cancer cells, a sample of urine is examined under a microscope.
Biopsy: During a cystoscopy, a small portion of the bladder lining is taken and inspected under a microscope to check for the presence of cancer cells.
Imaging studies: To check for indications of cancer in the bladder or adjacent tissues, imaging tests like CT scans, MRIs, or ultrasounds may be employed.
Tests for staging: If bladder cancer is found, other examinations, such as imaging studies or more biopsies, may be performed to ascertain the condition of the disease.
It's important to go through any recommended screening tests based on your age, sex, and other risk factors, as well as to share any concerns with your Urology specialist in Coimbatore.
Treatment:
Surgery: Surgery is frequently the primary treatment for early-stage bladder cancer, and it may involve either removing the entire bladder (cystectomy) or just the diseased tissue.
Chemotherapy: Using medications to destroy cancer cells, chemotherapy may be administered prior to, following, or in conjunction with radiation therapy.
Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy can be used with chemotherapy and uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells.
Immunotherapy: In some situations of advanced bladder cancer, immunotherapy may be utilised to boost the immune system to combat cancer cells.
Clinical trials: Patients with bladder cancer can be qualified to take part in these studies, which try out novel or experimental therapies.
It's important to discuss all available treatment options with a healthcare professional from a Bladder cancer Hospital in Coimbatore to make an informed decision.
