Bladder Cancer Symptoms: Its Diagnosis and Treatment

Bladder cancer is a type of cancer that affects the bladder. It can be not easy to diagnose, but it can be treated with surgery or medication. Bladder cancer is rare in countries where water supplies are not contaminated by arsenic and other chemicals. The highest rates of bladder cancer are found in regions of India, China, Taiwan, Chile, and Argentina. It’s essential to know the symptoms so you can get treatment early on. 

If you experience any signs, you can get free online doctor consultation.

What Are the Causes of Bladder Cancer?

Bladder cancer typically develops from cells in the bladder. It is not clear why these cells become malignant, but it may be related to chronic irritation of the bladder lining or a genetic predisposition among some individuals. There are several types of bladder cancer:

●    Superficial (or Transitional cell) Carcinoma: This type accounts for 90% of all bladder cancers. It is sometimes called “urothelial” or transitional cell cancer because it comes from the tissues lining the inside surface of the urinary tract, which includes both the bladder and the ureters (the tiny tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder). This type of cancer is more common in men over the age of fifty. Transitional cell carcinoma may occur on its own or with another form of bladder cancer, called “squamous cell” carcinoma.

●    Squamous Cell Carcinoma: This type accounts for about half of all bladder cancers. It is more common in women and people over the age of fifty.

●    Adenocarcinoma: This type makes up a small percentage of bladder cancer cases, but it tends to be more aggressive than transitional cell carcinomas or squamous cell carcinomas. Adenocarcinomas can be challenging to distinguish from non-cancerous growths called “urothelial papillomas” or “papillary transitional cell hyperplasias.”

●    Carcinoma In Situ: This type is sometimes referred to as CIS for carcinoma in situ. It occurs when cancer cells are found only within the bladder lining and do not spread into the deeper layers of tissue.

●    Small Cell Carcinoma: This type accounts for only about one per cent of all bladder cancers, but it is very aggressive and rapidly metastasized (spreads) to nearby lymph nodes or other organs.

What Are the Symptoms of Bladder Cancer?

Following are the symptoms of bladder cancer:

• Blood in the urine

• Increased need to urinate, especially during the night

• Unexplained weight loss and fatigue

If you notice any of these symptoms or have a strong feeling that something is not right down there, then get free online doctor consultation immediately. It is better to take timely treatment before you experience serious complications.

What Are the Risk Factors of Bladder Cancer?

The risk factors of bladder cancer are:

• Men have a higher chance to develop bladders cancer than women

• Older age increases the risk of developing bladder cancer. The average age at diagnosis is 70 years old

• Smoking or chewing tobacco can cause your chances of developing bladder cancer to increase by up to four times

• Exposure to certain chemicals like vinyl chloride can also lead to bladder cancer. This is why employees working in the rubber, oil refinery, and chemical industries are more likely to develop bladder cancer.

• Obesity increases your risk of developing any cancer, including bladder cancer, so you should maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly.

• History of bladder cancer in your family can put you at a higher risk of developing this type of cancer. If anyone from your immediate family has had bladder cancer, then it is advised to get yourself screened regularly.

How is Bladder Cancer Diagnosed?

After you consult your sexologist in Mumbai, Delhi or the city you live in about any symptoms that are bothering you, he will do a physical exam and take some tests. The following tests can be done:

●      CT scan– A CT scan is a series of X-rays that produce detailed images. The doctor may recommend this test to determine if cancer has spread from your bladder to other parts of your body

●      X-Ray– A doctor may also recommend X-rays to diagnose bladder cancer.

●      Urinalysis– A urine test to find cancerous cells and infection. A doctor can use a small brush on your skin or a catheter (tube) through the urethra into the bladder to get the sample of urine.

●      Cystoscopy – This is a procedure where your doctor inserts a thin tube with a camera and light at the end through the urethra to look inside the bladder. This way, he can see any abnormalities like tumours or blood clots in the urinary tract.

●      Biopsy– If the abnormal tissue is detected, a biopsy will be done using imaging guidance such as ultrasound, fluoroscopy, CT scan, and cystoscopy.

●      Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP)– In this test, your sexologist in Mumbai or any other city puts dye into the ureter. Then x-rays are taken to look inside the urinary tract.

What is The Treatment of Bladder Cancer?

Depending on the symptoms of bladder cancer, the doctor may recommend the following treatment options:

●    Surgery –The doctor may recommend surgery to remove all or part of your bladder. This is done by removing a small piece of tissue inside your abdomen and attaching it to the urethra (where urine passes out). The main advantage of this operation is that you will not require any ostomy bag.

●    External beam radiation therapy – the doctor may recommend this therapy if the cancer is diagnosed early and has not spread to other parts of your body. This involves high-energy x-rays focused on the tumour.

Conclusion

Bladder Cancer is a prevalent type of cancer affecting men more than women. If it is detected in its early stages, then there are high chances that you can fully recover from this condition without any issues or complications. Early detection by having regular check-ups, following a healthy diet, and exercising regularly can significantly reduce your risk of developing bladder cancer. It is important that you take good care of yourself.