Causes and Symptoms of Bladder Cancer. Despite treatment advances, bladder cancer remains one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers. In fact, roughly 5. Statistics show that approximately 3. Overall, the disease appears more often among Caucasians than among either Hispanics or African Americans and the lowest rates of occurrence appear among Asians. Furthermore, studies conducted by the National Cancer Institute have shown that cancers of the bladder primarily affect men and women 4. Unfortunately, as with cancer of the prostate, cancer of the bladder typically develops quietly and early symptoms are not easily recognizable. However, research has demonstrated that a variety of cancer- causing agents found in the urine may facilitate the development of the disease. ![]() Cigarette, cigar and pipe smoking have been shown to be a causal factor in roughly 5. Unfortunately, risk factors for developing cancer of the bladder do increase with age. Men and women over the age of 7. Though symptoms of the onset of the disease are mild at first, cancer of the bladder may lead to anemia, urinary incontinence or a blockage of the urethra which prevents urine from draining into the bladder normally (known as hydronephrosis). The most serious complication of bladder cancer, by far, is that the disease commonly spreads into distant organs. Because the condition is not always visible to the naked eye, it often delays diagnosis. Similarly, diagnosing bladder cancer is often missed because the bleeding may occur intermittently and may not show up during a routine urinalysis, or showing up as slightly reddish or darker than normal. Diagnosis may be further complicated by the fact that, even if there is a discoloration or blood in the urine, it may not mean bladder cancer is present, and people are less likely to seek immediate medical advice. The truth is that a variety of common ailments ranging from simple urinary tract infections to kidney disease, bladder or kidney stones, and other prostate- related issues can be the culprit behind hematuria, and other frequent symptoms of cancer. That way, regardless of the illness, it will be treated promptly. Or, any unexplained swelling in the lower extremities. If the results indicate bladder cancer, a CT Scan (computed tomography) will most likely be needed to determine its stage and type and whether the cancer has metastasized to other areas of the body such as the lungs, lymph nodes, bones, or liver. Bladder cancers are further identified according to how they’ve spread. If the cancer is only found within in the bladder’s lining, it’s characterized as superficial cancer, while carcinomas which have spread to the muscle wall are referred to as invasive. Transitional cell carcinoma (or TCC) is the most common type of cancer of the bladder and accounts for approximately 9. Unfortunately, the remaining 3. TCC occurrences fall into the muscle invasive group, having invaded the bladder’s muscular wall and potentially other nearby organs. Prompt diagnosis is crucial as treatment options are determined by how deeply the carcinoma has invaded the bladder, whether or not it’s metastasized, and if so, to where. ![]() Adenocarcinomas, however, account for approximately 9. As can be expected, the various forms of bladder cancer respond to treatment differently and the approach to treatment is individual to each patient. For example, it's possible to “shave off” a superficial tumor, one which has not invaded the muscle layer, with electrocautery during a procedure known as robotic- assisted laparoscopic cystectomy. Immunotherapy has been shown to be fairly effective in up to 2/3 of the cases at this stage. It’s also possible to use instillations of chemotherapy to treat superficial bladder carcinomas. In certain cases, skilled urologists can create a substitute bladder (or neobladder) from intestinal tissues, but such a procedure would depend on age, level of renal function, and the precise location of the tumor. Anyone over the age of 4. Used weight- loss formulas containing the herb Aristolochia Fangchi. Have a diet that’s high in saturated fats. Are a smoker or are regularly exposed to second- hand smoke. Have had external beam radiation therapy. Has a family history of bladder cancer. Have been treated with cancer drugs such as cyclophosfamide. Have been exposed to Schistosoma Haematobium parasites which are fairly common in developing countries. Learn more about bladder cancer prevention. Back to Top Taking an active role in the decisions affecting treatment involves a consult with the physician and learning as much as possible about cancer of the bladder and the options available to treat it. Consider getting a second opinion from a bladder cancer specialist, such as a urologist, a medical oncologist, or a urologic oncologist. Samadi today. Back to Top. Share on Facebook.
![]() ![]() Bladder cancer symptoms. Symptoms of bladder cancer include: Blood in the urine: The first sign of bladder cancer is usually blood in the urine, also called hematuria. Unfortunately, women frequently ignore or. ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
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