Bladder cancer can affect the lining of the bladder or extend deep into the muscle wall of the bladder. If it is not diagnosed and treated, it can also spread to lymph nodes and other organs. While the exact cause of bladder cancer is not known, learning about bladder cancer can help people control their risk factors and recognize the signs and symptoms of this disease as early as possible.
Risk Factors
Several risk factors exist for bladder cancer, some of which are lifestyle issues that can be changed. The carcinogens in cigarettes are linked to bladder cancer, so smoking is a major risk factor for the disease. Industrial exposure to cancer-causing chemicals is also a known risk factor. People exposed to organic chemicals by working with textiles, paint, dye and rubber are at an increased risk for developing bladder cancer. People who are male, Caucasian and over the age of 65 have the greatest risk for developing this disease. The risk for bladder cancer is also increased in people who have chronic bladder information, genetic bladder defects or a family history of bladder cancer.
Signs & Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of bladder cancer include painful urination, chronic urinary tract infection, back pain, blood in the urine, frequent urination and back pain. Blood in the urine may cause the urine to take on the appearance of cola. The blood may also appear bright red. Sometimes, blood is not visible in the urine and must be detected with the use of a microscope after a urine sample has been given.
Diagnosis
Bladder cancer is diagnosed with a combination of physical examination, laboratory testing and diagnostic testing techniques. If bladder cancer is suspected in a female, a doctor may examine the vagina and rectum to see if a bladder tumor can be felt. Cystoscopy is a procedure in which a slender tube is inserted into the bladder. The tube has a lens and a light that allow a urologist to see whether the bladder appears normal. If the doctor suspects abnormal growths in the bladder, tissue samples can be taken for biopsy.
Urine and blood tests can also be used to diagnose bladder cancer. Cancer cells can be found in the urine cytology test, which is a type of test done on bladder washings taken during a cystoscopy procedure. The BTA stat test, ImmunoCyt test and NMP22 test look for tumor markers that can indicate the presence of bladder cancer. Diagnostic tests such as the chest x-ray, CT scan, intravenous pyelogram, MRI, PET scan, bone scan and ultrasound can be used to identify bladder tumors and see if they have spread to other areas of the body.
Treatment
Bladder cancer may be treated with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, biologic therapy or surgery. Chemotherapy drugs may be delivered directly to the bladder to kill cancer cells with intravesical chemotherapy. Radiation therapy uses radiation or high-energy x-rays to kill cancer cells or prevent them from spreading. Biologic therapy relies on the body's own immune response to attack cancer cells. This is also known as immunotherapy or biotherapy. In this treatment, substances are used to boost the body's immune system response.
The four types of surgery available for bladder cancer are transurethral resection (TUR), urinary diversion, segmental cystectomy and radical cystectomy. TUR involves the removal of the cancer with a small wire loop. Segmental cystectomy is the removal of a part of the bladder. Radical cystectomy is removal of the entire bladder and surrounding organs and lymph nodes that contain cancer. If this procedure is done, a urinary diversion is done to create a new way for the body to store urine.
Prevention
There is no way to completely avoid getting bladder cancer, but you can reduce your risk by modifying your lifestyle. Quit smoking or using other tobacco products. Avoid exposure to chemicals that contain carcinogens. Drink plenty of fluids to regularly flush out the bladder and prevent inflammation and chronic infections. The American Cancer Society indicates that a diet high in vegetables and fruits can protect the bladder from cancer. Eat fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables without adding cream sauces or high-calorie dressings.
