What is Bladder Cancer?
Bladder cancer occurs when malignant cells form in the tissues of the bladder, the organ that stores urine. The most common type of bladder cancer is urothelial carcinoma, which originates in the urothelial cells lining the inside of the bladder. Bladder cancer can vary in its rate of growth and potential to spread (metastasize), with some forms growing slowly and others being more aggressive.
What Are Common Signs and Symptoms of Bladder Cancer?
Symptoms of bladder cancer can include:
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Blood in urine (hematuria), which may be visible or detectable only by microscope
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Frequent urination
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Painful urination
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Urinary urgency, even when the bladder is not full
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Pelvic pain
Can We Prevent Bladder Cancer?
While it's not always possible to prevent bladder cancer, risk can be reduced through lifestyle choices:
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Avoiding smoking
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Limiting exposure to chemicals in the workplace
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Drinking plenty of fluids, especially water
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Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables
How Do We Diagnose Bladder Cancer?
Diagnosis of bladder cancer typically involves:
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Urinalysis to check for blood in the urine
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Cystoscopy to look inside the bladder using a thin tube with a camera
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Urine cytology to detect cancer cells in urine
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Imaging tests such as ultrasound, CT scans, and MRI to examine the bladder
What Treatment Options Are Available for Bladder Cancer?
Treatment depends on the type, stage, and grade of the cancer, as well as the patient's overall health, and may include:
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Surgery to remove cancer cells or the bladder
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Intravesical therapy for non-invasive cancers, involving the direct insertion of drugs into the bladder
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Chemotherapy to kill cancer cells, often used before or after surgery, or as a primary treatment for advanced cancer
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Radiation therapy to destroy cancer cells, sometimes used in combination with chemotherapy
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Immunotherapy to help the immune system fight cancer
Treatment plans are personalized, often combining several of these approaches for the best outcome.
