A form of cancer that begins in the bladder lining, bladder cancer is rather uncommon. Your bladder is a tiny, hollow organ where urine is stored (urine). Surgery to eliminate bladder cancer is just one of the many treatments available to medical professionals. After therapy, bladder cancer may recur, so those who have it should be watchful in making sure to check in with their doctors.
Early-stage bladder cancer, or cancer that is discovered and treated before it spreads, can be managed by healthcare professionals, although about 75% of early-stage bladder cancers return.
Bladder Cancer
The triangle-shaped organ known as the bladder is located behind the kidneys, above the urethra, and in the middle of the hip bones. Your bladder is lined with a layer called urothelium, and urine leaves your kidneys and enters there. The urothelium is made up of cells that expand when your bladder is full of urine and contract when it is empty. (Approximately two cups of urine can fit in your bladder.)
Bladder cancer develops when specific cells in the tissue lining your bladder change or mutate, turning into aberrant cells that proliferate and develop tumours in your bladder. If left untreated, bladder cancer has the potential to spread through the bladder walls to the lymph nodes nearby before moving on to the bones, lungs, or liver.
The fourth most frequent cancer among men and those born into a masculine gender is bladder cancer (DMAB). Bladder cancer is four times more common in men and those with DMAB than in women and those whose gender was determined at birth (DFAB).
However, because they are unaware of bladder cancer symptoms, women and members of DFAB who do have bladder cancer often have advanced stages of the disease. According to the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network, women are less likely to pay attention to hematuria, the first and most significant symptom of bladder cancer, since they link it to frequent gynaecological problems.
Read More:- https://www.cancer.gov/types/bladder
People older than 55 are most commonly affected with bladder cancer. Bladder cancer is typically discovered in patients when they are 73 years old. White men and DMABs have a two-fold increased risk of bladder cancer compared to Black men and DMABs.
Types Of Bladder Cancer
The most common type of bladder cancer is transitional cell carcinoma (TCC), which accounts for about 90% of all cases of bladder cancer. However, there are other types of bladder cancer as well.
- Transitional cell carcinoma (TCC)
TCC is the most common type of bladder cancer. It develops in the transitional cells, which are the cells that line the inside of the bladder. TCC can be further divided into two subtypes: papillary and flat. Papillary TCC is the more common subtype and is characterised by finger-like projections that grow from the lining of the bladder into the bladder cavity. Flat TCC is less common and is characterised by a flat or slightly raised area on the bladder lining.
- Squamous cell carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma of the bladder is a rare type of bladder cancer that occurs in the cells that line the bladder. It is usually associated with long-term irritation of the bladder, such as from chronic infections, bladder stones, or long-term catheter use. Squamous cell carcinoma is more common in developing countries and is less responsive to standard treatments than TCC.
- Adenocarcinoma
Adenocarcinoma of the bladder is a rare type of bladder cancer that develops in the glandular cells in the lining of the bladder. It is more common in people who have a history of bladder inflammation or bladder diverticula (small pouches in the bladder wall). Adenocarcinoma is also less responsive to standard treatments than TCC.
- Small cell carcinoma
Small cell carcinoma of the bladder is a rare and aggressive type of bladder cancer that develops in the small cells of the bladder. It is more common in men and smokers, and is often associated with a history of other types of cancer. Small cell carcinoma is typically treated with chemotherapy.
- Sarcoma
Sarcoma of the bladder is a rare type of bladder cancer that develops in the connective tissue of the bladder, such as the muscle or fat. Sarcomas are often more aggressive than other types of bladder cancer and may require more aggressive treatments, such as surgery or radiation therapy.
Read More:- https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/bladder-cancer/types-stages-grades/types
Causes Of Bladder Cancer
There are various causes of bladder cancer, which can be classified into two main categories: environmental and genetic factors.
Environmental factors are external factors that increase the risk of developing bladder cancer. These factors include:
- Smoking: Smoking is the most significant risk factor for bladder cancer. The chemicals in tobacco smoke can get into the urine and cause damage to the bladder lining, which can lead to the development of cancer.
- Chemical exposure: Exposure to certain chemicals in the workplace, such as benzidine and beta-naphthylamine, can increase the risk of bladder cancer. These chemicals are commonly found in industries that produce dyes, rubber, leather, and textiles.
- Radiation exposure: Exposure to radiation can increase the risk of bladder cancer. This may occur in individuals who have undergone radiation therapy for other types of cancer or who have been exposed to environmental radiation.
- Chronic bladder infections: Chronic bladder infections or inflammation can increase the risk of bladder cancer. This may be due to the damage caused by the inflammation to the bladder lining.
- Dietary factors: A diet that is high in processed foods, red meat, and low in fruits and vegetables can increase the risk of bladder cancer.
Genetic factors are internal factors that may increase the risk of developing bladder cancer. These factors include:
- Age: The risk of bladder cancer increases with age, with most cases occurring in people over the age of 55.
- Gender: Men are three times more likely to develop bladder cancer than women.
- Family history: Individuals with a family history of bladder cancer may have an increased risk of developing the disease.
- Genetic mutations: Certain genetic mutations, such as alterations in the RB1 gene and the TP53 gene, may increase the risk of bladder cancer.
- Personal history: Individuals who have previously had bladder cancer may have an increased risk of developing the disease again.
Symptoms Of Bladder Cancer
Bladder cancer can cause a range of symptoms, which can vary depending on the stage of the cancer and other factors. In this article, we will discuss some of the most common symptoms of bladder cancer.
- Blood in the urine: Blood in the urine, also known as hematuria, is one of the most common symptoms of bladder cancer. It is usually painless and can range from a few drops to large amounts of blood in the urine. Blood in the urine may be visible to the naked eye or it may be detected only under a microscope. If you notice blood in your urine, it is important to see a doctor right away, as it can be a sign of bladder cancer or other serious conditions.
- Pain or discomfort during urination: Pain or discomfort during urination is another common symptom of bladder cancer. This may include a burning or stinging sensation, or a feeling of pressure in the bladder or lower abdomen. These symptoms may be more pronounced when the bladder is full, and they may improve after urination. If you experience pain or discomfort during urination, it is important to see a doctor, as it may be a sign of bladder cancer or another condition such as a urinary tract infection.
- Frequent urination: Frequent urination is a common symptom of bladder cancer, particularly in the early stages of the disease. This may include an increased need to urinate, a feeling of urgency to urinate, or the need to get up frequently during the night to urinate. If you notice a change in your urination habits, it is important to see a doctor, as it may be a sign of bladder cancer or another condition such as an enlarged prostate.
- Lower back pain: Bladder cancer can cause pain in the lower back, especially in more advanced cases. This may be a dull ache or a sharp pain, and it may be felt in the lower back or the sides of the body. If you experience persistent lower back pain, it is important to see a doctor, as it may be a sign of bladder cancer or another condition.
- Weight loss: Unexplained weight loss can be a symptom of bladder cancer, particularly in more advanced cases. This may be due to a loss of appetite or the body’s inability to absorb nutrients properly. If you experience unexplained weight loss, it is important to see a doctor, as it may be a sign of bladder cancer or another condition.
- Fatigue: Bladder cancer can cause fatigue, or a feeling of exhaustion or weakness that does not go away with rest. This may be due to the body’s immune response to the cancer or the cancer’s effect on the body’s energy levels. If you experience persistent fatigue, it is important to see a doctor, as it may be a sign of bladder cancer or another condition.
- Swelling in the legs: In more advanced cases of bladder cancer, the cancer may spread to other parts of the body, including the lymph nodes in the pelvis. This can cause swelling in the legs, which may be due to a buildup of fluid in the tissues. If you notice swelling in your legs, it is important to see a doctor, as it may be a sign of bladder cancer or another condition.
It is important to note that many of these symptoms can be caused by other conditions, and having one or more of these symptoms does not necessarily mean that you have bladder cancer.
Read More:- https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/bladder-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/signs-and-symptoms.html
Diagnosis Of Bladder Cancer
To identify bladder cancer, medical professionals do a number of tests, such as:
- Urinalysis: Healthcare professionals examine your poop using a range of tests. To rule out infection in this situation, they could perform a urinalysis.
- Using a microscope, healthcare professionals study cells for indications of malignancy.
- The main test to find and diagnose bladder cancer is a cystoscopy. For this test, doctors look inside your bladder and urethra using a cystoscope, a pencil-sized illuminated tube. In order to see bladder cancer more easily, they might employ a fluorescent dye and a specific blue light. During cystoscopies, healthcare professionals may also collect tissue samples.
In the event that a urinalysis, cytology, and cystoscopy reveal you have bladder cancer, your healthcare professionals will perform additional tests to find out more about the malignancy, such as:
- Providers perform the transurethral resection of bladder tumour (TURBT) operation to remove bladder tumours for further testing. Treatment options include TURBT operations, which remove bladder tumours before they may infiltrate the muscle wall of your bladder. A spinal or general anaesthetic is used for this outpatient test.
- A magnet, radio waves, and a computer are used in the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) test to produce precise images of your bladder.
- Providers may use a computed tomography (CT) scan to determine whether the cancer has spread from the bladder.
- Chest X-ray: With this procedure, medical professionals can look for indications that bladder cancer has migrated to your lungs.
- A bone scan, similar to a chest X-ray, looks for indications that bladder cancer has migrated to your bones.
The cancer is then staged by medical professionals using the information they have learned about it. Cancer staging aids medical professionals in formulating a prospective prognosis or expected outcome as well as in planning treatment.
Early-stage (limited to the bladder’s lining) or invasive bladder cancer are two different types (penetrating your bladder wall and possibly spreading to nearby organs or lymph nodes).
From TA (restricted to the inside lining of your bladder) to IV, the phases are available (most invasive). Early-stage bladder cancer (TA, T1, or CIS) is limited to the lining of your bladder or to the connective tissue immediately underneath the lining; it has not yet spread to the bladder’s main muscular wall.
Cancer is classified as invasive in stages II to IV.
- Your bladder’s muscle wall has been affected by cancer that is in stage two.
- The fatty tissue outside of your bladder muscle is where the cancer has progressed to Stage III.
- In stage IV, your bladder cancer has metastasized (spread) to your lymph nodes, other organs, or bones.
The TNM staging approach, which stands for tumour, node involvement, and metastases, is more advanced and preferable. Under this system:
- Invasive bladder cancers range from T2 (the tumour spreads to your primary muscle wall underneath the lining) to T4 (the tumour invades the entire bladder) (it spreads beyond your bladder to nearby organs or your pelvic side wall).
- The involvement of lymph nodes ranges from N0 (no lymph node cancer) to N3 (cancer in many lymph nodes, or in one or more bulky lymph nodes larger than 5 centimetres).
- The designation M0 denotes the absence of metastases (spread) outside of the pelvis. M1 indicates that the cancer has spread outside of your pelvic.
Treatment Of Bladder Cancer
The treatment of bladder cancer depends on various factors, such as the stage and grade of the cancer, the location of the tumour, and the overall health of the patient.
The treatment of bladder cancer typically involves a combination of different therapies, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. The goal of treatment is to remove or destroy the cancerous cells while preserving as much of the bladder’s function as possible.
Surgery is the most common treatment for bladder cancer. The type of surgery that is performed depends on the stage and location of the tumour. For early-stage bladder cancer, a transurethral resection of the bladder tumour (TURBT) may be performed. This is a minimally invasive procedure in which a cystoscope is inserted through the urethra and into the bladder. The surgeon then removes the tumour using a wire loop or other specialised instruments.
For more advanced bladder cancer, a radical cystectomy may be necessary. This is a more invasive procedure in which the entire bladder is removed, along with adjacent organs such as the prostate or uterus, depending on the gender of the patient. The surgeon then creates a new way for the body to store and excrete urine, such as a urinary diversion.
Chemotherapy is another common treatment for bladder cancer. It involves the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy can be given before or after surgery, or as the primary treatment for advanced bladder cancer. The drugs can be given orally or intravenously, and they may be used alone or in combination with other drugs.
Radiation therapy may also be used to treat bladder cancer. It involves the use of high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy may be given before or after surgery, or as the primary treatment for advanced bladder cancer. It is typically used in combination with chemotherapy.
Immunotherapy is another type of treatment for bladder cancer. It involves the use of drugs to stimulate the body’s immune system to attack cancer cells. The most common type of immunotherapy used for bladder cancer is called Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) therapy. BCG is a type of bacteria that is used as a vaccine for tuberculosis. When it is injected into the bladder, it stimulates the immune system to attack cancer cells.
In addition to these conventional treatments, there are also several newer therapies being developed for bladder cancer. For example, targeted therapy involves the use of drugs that target specific molecules or pathways that are involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells. Another emerging treatment is gene therapy, which involves the use of genes to treat or prevent diseases.
The choice of treatment for bladder cancer depends on many factors, including the stage and grade of the cancer, the location of the tumour, and the patient’s overall health. The treatment plan is typically developed by a team of healthcare professionals, including urologists, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists.
In addition to these medical treatments, there are also several lifestyle changes that can help manage bladder cancer. For example, quitting smoking is one of the most important things that patients with bladder cancer can do. Smoking is a major risk factor for bladder cancer, and quitting can help reduce the risk of recurrence.
In addition, patients with bladder cancer should eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly. This can help improve overall health and well-being, which can be important for coping with the physical and emotional challenges of cancer.
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