Bladder cancer can affect the lining of the bladder or the muscular wall of the bladder. If the cancer spreads, it can affect lymph nodes or organs in the pelvic and abdominal cavities. Understanding the risk factors of bladder cancer can help people reduce their risk or get an early diagnosis that can lead to a better outcome.
Risk Factors
While the exact cause of bladder cancer is not known, there are several documented risk factors for the disease. The major risk factor for this type of cancer is smoking tobacco products. Quitting smoking can reduce the risk of developing bladder cancer and protect the body against heart disease and other diseases. Exposure to organic chemicals and dyes is also a risk factor for bladder cancer. People who work in the chemical, leather and textile industries are at an increased risk for developing this cancer. If someone has a history of bladder cancer or chronic irritation of the bladder, the risk for bladder cancer increases. Age, race and gender also play a role in the development of bladder cancer. People over the age of 65, men and Caucasians are at an increased risk of developing this disease.
Signs & Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of bladder cancer mainly affect the urinary system, but can also affect the back and abdomen. Common signs and symptoms include urinary urgency, recurrent urinary tract infections, blood in the urine, painful urination, lower back pain and abdominal pain.
Diagnosis
During a consultation, a physician will ask questions about urinary symptoms, abdominal pain, back pain or unusual symptoms like fatigue, decreased appetite, unexpected weight loss and bone pain. The physician will conduct a physical examination that focuses on the abdomen and check to see if any masses can be felt. The physician will also note if any tenderness or pain are experienced upon examination. Women may have a pelvic or vaginal exam to determine if any bladder masses can be felt. Rectal examination may also reveal palpable bladder masses. Bladder cancer can also be diagnosed with the use of urine tests and imaging studies. CT scanning, MRI scanning or intravenous pyelography may be used to produce images of the body and determine if any masses exist.
Treatments
According to the American Cancer Society, bladder cancer may be treated with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, intravesical therapy or surgery. Chemotherapy drugs are used to shrink or kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy can also be used to kill cancer cells and is also effective in shrinking malignant tumors. Intravesical therapy allows chemotherapy drugs to be put into the urethra and bladder through a catheter. The drugs are held in the bladder and released several hours later. This helps to keep the toxic chemotherapy drugs out of other parts of the body and treats the bladder cancer directly. Surgery may be performed to remove a bladder tumor or a part of the bladder. If the cancer has spread into the wall of the bladder, then the entire bladder is removed.
