Definition
Bladder cancer is a malignant tumor within the bladder.
Causes
As with most other cancers, the exact cause is
uncertain. However, several factors may contribute to
the development of bladder cancer.
Risk Factors
-
Cigarette smoking
-
Industrial dye exposure --
textile industry, hairdressers, printers, and
painters
-
Industrial solvent exposure --
i.e., those who use solvents for metal, rubber, and
leather
-
Race may play a role --
Caucasians seem to develop
TCC more than
African-Americans.
People over the age of 60 are at
high risk.
Those with a history of
TCC
are at high risk.
Symptoms
While most of the symptoms listed below can be
associated with bladder cancer, they can also be
associated with non-cancerous conditions.
Nevertheless, medical evaluation is critical.
-
Blood
in the urine
-
Urinary frequency
-
Painful urination
-
Urinary urgency
Additional symptoms that may be associated with this
disease:
-
Urinary incontinence
-
Bone
pain or tenderness
-
Abdominal pain
-
Anemia
-
Weight loss
-
Lethargy (tiredness)
Screening and Diagnostics
A
physical examination will be performed, including a
rectal and pelvic exam.
Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:
-
Urinalysis
-
Urine
cytology (microscopic exam of urine to look for
cancerous cells)
-
Cystoscopy (use of lighted instrument to view inside
of bladder)
-
Bladder biopsy (usually performed during cystoscopy)
-
Intravenous pyelogram - IVP (to evaluate upper
urinary tract for tumors or blockage)
Treatment
-
The decision as to which
treatment to use depends on the size, degree, and
spread of the bladder cancer.
-
Intravesical chemotherapy is
administered by using a catheter to inject the
chemotherapy directly into the bladder.
-
Surgical options depending on
extent of spread:
-
Limited resection of the tumors
in the early stages is often done through a
cystoscope, which is passed through the urethra
(without cutting the abdomen, as in cystectomy),
and is referred to as a transurethral resection (TUR).
-
Partial bladder removal or
partial cystectomy
-
Removal of the total bladder is
known as a radical cystectomy of the prostate,
seminal vesicles, and other surrounding areas.
-
Radiation therapy may be
administered from outside the body, or via a
radioactive material placed in the tumor.
-
Immunotherapy, which uses the
body's own immune system (natural defense), may be
used for early stage tumors.
- Cisplatin
Complications
Bladder cancers may spread into the nearby organs or
may travel through the pelvic lymph nodes, and
metastasize to the liver, lungs, and bones. Additional
complications of bladder cancer include anemia,
hydronephrosis (swelling of the ureters causing kidney
injury), urinary incontinence, and urethral stricture.
Prevention
Quitting cigarette smoking and eliminating
environmental hazards may reduce your risk of
developing bladder cancer.
