What is Bladder Cancer?
- A type of cancer that begins in the tissues of the bladder
- Most commonly affects the urothelial cells lining the inside of the bladder
- Can be non-invasive or invasive
- More common in older adults and men
- Early detection increases chances of successful treatment
What causes Bladder Cancer?
Risk factors
- Smoking is the leading risk factor
- Exposure to industrial chemicals (dyes, rubber, leather, paint)
- Long-term use of urinary catheters
- Repeated urinary infections or bladder inflammation
- History of bladder cancer or family history
- Use of certain medications or herbal supplements
- Arsenic in drinking water
- Prior chemotherapy or radiation therapy
What are the types of Bladder Cancer?
Urothelial carcinoma (transitional cell carcinoma)
- Most common type
- Starts in the inner lining of the bladder
Squamous cell carcinoma
- Linked to chronic bladder irritation
- Less common and usually more aggressive
Adenocarcinoma
- Very rare
- Begins in mucus-producing glands in the bladder lining
What are the symptoms of Bladder Cancer?
- Blood in urine (hematuria) – may appear pink, red, or dark brown
- Frequent urination
- Pain or burning during urination
- Feeling the need to urinate without being able to
- Pelvic or back pain in later stages
- Unexplained weight loss or fatigue
How is Bladder Cancer diagnosed?
- Urinalysis to detect blood or abnormal cells
- Cystoscopy to examine the inside of the bladder
- Biopsy during cystoscopy for confirmation
- Urine cytology to look for cancer cells
- Imaging tests like CT urogram, MRI, or ultrasound
- Chest X-ray or bone scan if spread is suspected
How is Bladder Cancer treated?
Treatment depends on stage, type, and overall health
Surgery
- Transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) for early-stage tumors
- Cystectomy (partial or complete removal of bladder) for advanced cancer
- Urinary diversion procedures after bladder removal
Intravesical therapy
- BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guérin) directly into the bladder
- Intravesical chemotherapy drugs
Systemic chemotherapy
- Given through the vein for advanced or metastatic cancer
- Often used before or after surgery
Radiation therapy
- Used with or without chemotherapy
- May be an option if surgery is not possible
Immunotherapy
- Drugs that help the immune system attack cancer cells
- Used in advanced or recurrent bladder cancer
What are the complications of Bladder Cancer?
- Cancer recurrence or progression
- Spread to nearby organs or distant sites
- Side effects from surgery, chemo, or radiation
- Urinary problems or changes in bladder function
- Sexual dysfunction after bladder removal
- Emotional and psychological distress
What is the outlook for people with Bladder Cancer?
- Early-stage bladder cancer is highly treatable
- Recurrence is common, requiring ongoing surveillance
- Five-year survival rate depends on stage and type
- Regular follow-up is crucial to monitor for recurrence
- Advances in immunotherapy improving outcomes
How can Bladder Cancer be prevented?
- Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke
- Limit exposure to harmful chemicals in the workplace
- Drink plenty of fluids, especially water
- Maintain a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables
- Regular checkups if you have a history or risk factors
- Report urinary changes to a doctor promptly
