About Bladder Cancer
Bladder cancer is caused by changes in how bladder cells grow and divide, which can lead to cancer.
- Some non-modifiable risk factors of bladder cancer include
- Older age
- Family history of bladder cancers
- Race: Being white
- Gender: Men are more likely to get it.
- Genetics: Certain gene mutations
- Modifiable risk factors of bladder cancer include
- Smoking
- Exposure to certain chemicals at work or in the environment
- Not drinking enough water
- Having chronic bladder infections
- Taking specific medications or herbal supplements
The most common symptoms of bladder cancer include:
- Blood in the urine
- Changes to urinary habits: A sudden need to urinateor urinating more frequently
- Burning sensation when urinating
As bladder cancer progresses or reaches later stages, additional symptoms may appear. These symptoms can vary from person to person and may include:
- Inability to urinate: This can be a medical emergency and should be addressed immediately.
- Weight loss: Unexplained weight loss can be a sign that the cancer has advanced.
- Appetite loss: A decrease in appetite may occur as the cancer progresses.
- Fatigue: Feeling tired or lacking energy can be a symptom of advanced bladder cancer.
- Weakness: Muscle weakness may be experienced as the cancer spreads.
- Swelling in the feet: Edema or swelling of the feet may occur as the cancer advances.
- Pelvic pain.
- Abdominal mass: A mass or lump in the abdomen may be present in more advanced cases.
- Lower back pain: Pain in the lower back, particularly on one side, can be a symptom of advanced bladder cancer.
- Bone pain: Pain in the bones may occur if the cancer has spread.
To diagnose bladder cancer, doctors may perform the following examinations, tests, and procedures:
- Medical history and physical examination: The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. They may also conduct a physical examination, which can involve feeling the vagina or rectum for lumps.
- Urinalysis: This is a urine test that checks for blood, infection, and abnormal cells in the urine.
- Cystoscopy: This procedure allows the doctor to view the inside of the bladder using a thin tube called a cystoscope. It is inserted through the urethra and provides a complete view of the bladder. In some cases, anesthesia may be used to make the procedure painless.
- Biopsy: A tissue biopsy involves removing a small sample of bladder tissue for further examination under a microscope. This helps in confirming the presence of cancer cells.
- Imaging tests: Imaging tests such as CT or MRI scans can help determine the extent of cancer and its stage. These tests provide detailed images of the bladder and surrounding areas.
In addition to these diagnostic methods, doctors may use other examinations, tests, and procedures to determine the stage or severity of bladder cancer:
- Bone scan: A bone scan is used to check if cancer has spread to the bones. It involves injecting a small amount of radioactive material into a vein, which then collects in areas of abnormal bone growth.
- PET scan: Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan uses a radioactive substance injected into the body to highlight areas with high metabolic activity, such as cancer cells. It can help detect if cancer has spread beyond the bladder.
- Intravenous pyelogram: dye injected into the bloodstream for detailed imaging of the urinary tract, enabling the doctor to see if there are any blockages or other issues.
The goals of treating bladder cancer are to target and destroy cancer cells, aiming to cure the disease or limit its progression. Treatment options for bladder cancer include:
- Surgery: If bladder cancer is localized (limited to the bladder), doctors may be able to remove it with surgery. This can involve removing the cancer cells themselves or, in later stages, removing the entire bladder and reconstructing it so that urine can still pass through the body.
- Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is a common treatment for bladder cancer at any stage. It involves using medications to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing. Chemotherapy can be done at any stage of bladder cancer and can be given orally, through injections, or directly into the bladder through a catheter.
- Radiation therapy: This treatment uses high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells and shrink tumors. This treatment is typically administered externally, targeting the tumor from outside the body.
- Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy is a newer treatment option for bladder cancer. It uses medications that stimulate the body's immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. Immunotherapy can be used for both early and late-stage cancers.
- Targeted therapy: This treatment uses medications that specifically target certain genes or proteins that are involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells. They block the growth and spread of cancer.
Some treatments are used for more advanced cancer or for cancer that has returned. The healthcare provider will determine an individualized treatment plan based upon individual factors including symptoms, stage of bladder cancer, and personal preferences.
Bladder cancer can progress over time if not diagnosed and treated early. The progression can lead to advanced stages where cancer cells invade deeper layers of the bladder wall, spread to nearby lymph nodes, or other organs. Advanced-stage bladder cancer, especially at stage 4, can metastasize to other parts of the body. Factors like delayed diagnosis, the stage at diagnosis, risk factors such as smoking, older age, recurrent tumors, and high-grade tumors can contribute to the progression and complications.
Complications associated with bladder cancer can occur due to the tumor itself, the cancer, or the treatments. Complications include:
- Fatigue: Bladder cancer can cause fatigue, which is a feeling of extreme tiredness or lack of energy.
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Bladder cancer can increase the risk of developing UTIs, which are infections in the urinary system.
- Weight loss: Unintentional weight loss can occur in individuals with bladder cancer, which may be due to factors such as decreased appetite or metabolic changes.
- Metastasis: Bladder cancer has the potential to spread to other areas of the body, such as the lungs or bones. This is known as metastasis and can lead to additional complications. In severe cases, spread of cancer to the bones can lead to fractures.
- Urinary obstruction: In some cases, bladder cancer can cause urinary obstruction, which is a blockage in the urinary system. This can lead to chronic kidney failure if not addressed.
- Complications related to surgery: Surgical treatment for bladder cancer may carry its own set of complications, such as urinary tract infections, urinary tract obstruction, pouch stones, erectile dysfunction (in males), vaginal narrowing (in females), and urinary leaks.
It's important to note that each person's experience with bladder cancer and its treatment can vary. It's crucial for individuals diagnosed with bladder cancer to work closely with their healthcare team to discuss their specific situation and develop a personalized treatment plan. They should always consult their doctor before trying any natural remedies or over-the-counter medications for bladder cancer-related complications.