Overview
Bladder cancer is a disease that begins in the cells of the bladder. Malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissue of the bladder. The bladder is a hollow organ in the lower part of the abdomen that stores urine made by the kidney.
In most cases, cancer begins to form in the urothelial cells that line the inside of the bladder.
When detected early, bladder cancer is treatable. However, regular checkups are needed to prevent cancer from returning.
Key facts
- It can begin in the kidney and kidneys and ureters but primarily affects the bladders
- Smoking can increase the risk of bladder cancer.
- Signs and symptoms include blood in the urine, frequent urination, and pain during urination.
- Tests that examine the urine and bladder are used to diagnose bladder cancer.
- When detected early, bladder cancer is treatable.
Symptoms
Symptoms of bladder cancer include;
- Blood in urine or hematuria. This may cause the urine to appear bright red or cola-colored. However, the urine might seem normal, and blood is only detected in a lab test.
- Frequent urination
- Painful urination
- Back pain
Diagnosis
If you suspect abnormalities in your bladder or urine, you may want to see a doctor for a general body examination.
These examinations will include checks for signs of disease, such as lumps or anything deemed unusual. Your doctor will also take a history of your lifestyle choices and health habits.
Your doctor might also examine the vagina and rectum. This is done by inserting lubricated, gloved fingers into the vagina or rectum to feel for lumps.
You might also need to undergo some tests, which include;
- Urinalysis: This is a test conducted to check urine; its colour and contents, protein, sugar, white blood cells, and red blood cells.
- Urine cytology: The urine is scrutinised under a microscope to check for abnormal cells in a laboratory.
- Cystoscopy: This procedure is conducted by inserting a cystoscope ( a small tube-like camera) through the urethra to look inside the bladder and urethra to check for abnormal areas. The cystoscope might also include a small tool to remove tissue samples. These samples are examined under a microscope for signs of cancer in a biopsy process.
- Intravenous pyelogram (IVP): It involves taking x-rays of the kidneys, ureters, and bladder to see if cancer is present in these organs. A contrast dye is injected into a vein. X-rays of the kidneys, ureters, and bladder, x-rays are taken as the contrast dye moves through the body to see if there are any blockages.
Causes
Bladder cancer occurs when cells in the bladder mutate in their DNA. A cell’s DNA gives it instructions; when they mutate or change, they begin to multiply at an accelerated rate.
These abnormal cells go on living when they should die and form a tumour that can invade and destroy normal body tissue.
Several factors can put you at risk of getting bladder cancer. They include;
Smoking. Smoking cigarettes or other types of smoking may increase the risk of bladder cancer by causing harmful chemicals to accumulate in the urine.
Being male: Men are more likely to be diagnosed with bladder cancer than women.
Increasing age. The older you get, the more at risk you are. While it can affect people of all ages, most people diagnosed with bladder cancer are 55 and above.
Exposure to certain chemicals. Chemicals linked to bladder cancer include arsenic and chemicals used in producing rubber, dyes, leather, textiles, and paint products.
Previous cancer treatment. People who have undergone radiation treatments aimed at the pelvis for previous cancer are at higher risk of developing bladder cancer.
Personal or family history of cancer. If you’ve had bladder cancer, you are at risk of getting it again. Also, if you have a family member with the condition, you’re susceptible to it.
Prevention
While there’s no guaranteed way to prevent bladder cancer, you can take some steps to lower your risk. They include;
- Don’t smoke.
- Be careful when using chemicals
- Nourish your body with a variety of fruits and vegetables.
Treatment
Treatment for bladder cancer will depend on each person’s circumstances. This is determined following the identification of the cancer stage – that is, how far cancer has spread.
Surgery: Surgery is an option for patients who have bladder cancer. The type of surgery done will depend on the stage of cancer. One procedure will involve the removal of the cancer cells. One other procedure involves the removal of parts of or the entire bladder. The procedure you choose will depend on its long-term side effects and cancer stage.
Chemotherapy in the bladder (intravesical chemotherapy): This involves treating cancer that is restricted to the bladder lining, especially those that have the possibility of recurring.
Chemotherapy for the whole body: Also known as systemic chemotherapy, this procedure is done in advanced stages of cancer for a person who’s had surgery to remove their bladder. It is also a treatment option when surgery is not on the table.
Radiation therapy: This procedure is done to destroy cancer cells, often as a primary treatment when surgery isn’t desired or not an option
Immunotherapy: This triggers the body’s immune system to fight cancer cells, either in the bladder or throughout the body
Targeted therapy: Treats advanced cancer when other treatments have proved futile.
Conclusion
Bladder cancer is a condition where malignant (cancer) cells form in the bladder tissue. Some of the risk factors include smoking, exposure to chemicals, and family history. Signs and symptoms include blood in the urine, frequent urination, and pain during urination. When detected early, bladder cancer is treatable.
MOST COMMON
