Bladder Cancer
Bladder cancer is a chronic disease that affects the bladder, the organ that stores urine. Tumors can form when the body creates new cells that are not needed or when old cells don’t die when they are supposed to. These tumors may be cancerous or benign. If cancerous cells develop on the inner lining of the bladder wall, it is called superficial bladder cancer. If the cancer spreads through the lining, it becomes invasive cancer.
The exact cause of bladder cancer is unknown, but there are risk factors associated with the onset of the disease. These include age, smoking habits, race, gender, and family and personal history. A person’s occupation can expose him or her to a variety of carcinogens (cancer-causing substances) as well.
There are three types of bladder cancer: transitional cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. These are named after the kind of cells the tumors grow in. Transitional cell carcinoma affects the transitional cells that form the elastic inner lining of the bladder. It accounts for over 90% of bladder cancers. Approximately 4% of bladder cancers stem from the rigid squamous cells, which resemble skin cells in shape and size. Only about 1-2% of bladder cancers are adenocarcinomas, cancers that originate from cells that have gland-like (secretory) properties.
Symptoms of bladder cancer are similar to most urological conditions and may include frequent urination, blood in the urine and pain while urinating. Only a qualified physician can make an accurate diagnosis.
Diagnostic Testing
Your doctor will ask you questions regarding your medical and family histories and perform an initial physical examination. This usually includes a series of blood and urine tests. Your doctor will feel the abdomen and pelvic areas for any abnormalities. The exam may also include a vaginal or rectal exam. After the initial test, your doctor may recommend one or more of the following tests to better evaluate your condition:
- Urine Cytology
- Urine FISH (Flourescent In-situ Hybridization cell genetic analysis)
- Urine Culture
- Cystoscopy
- Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP)
- CT (CAT) Scan
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Scan
- Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan
- Bone Scan
- Biopsy
- Ultrasound
Consult your physician for further information on these medical examinations.
Treatment Options
Treatment options for bladder cancer include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy. Consult your doctor about your options in order to decide which ones are best for your particular case.
Cancer Surgery
Bladder cancer surgery involves the removal of the cancerous tissues. If the cancer is very far advanced, some or all of the bladder may be removed. If the bladder is surgically removed, either it will be replaced with a pouch made out of tissue from your small intestine, or the urinary tract will be rerouted to exit the body through the abdomen, where urine is collected in an external bag.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is the use of powerful medications to destroy cancer cells. Chemotherapeutic medicine may be administered in a variety of forms, including injections, pills and catheters. For patients with bladder cancer, the drugs are usually administered directly into the bladder in a procedure called intravesicular chemotherapy.
Chemotherapy drugs kill cancer cells very effectively. Unfortunately, they can also damage normal, healthy cells, potentially resulting in side effects such as nausea and vomiting, hair loss, weakened immune system and fever. Chemotherapy is prescribed because the chance of treating or eradicating the cancer outweighs the potential adverse side effects. Your doctor will advise you as to the type and severity of side effects you can expect during the course of your chemotherapy.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy may be administered externally, internally, or both, using high energy X-rays or a similar type of radiation. External radiation therapy is when this concentrated radiation is aimed at a tumor from outside the body. Internal radiation therapy, or brachytherapy, is when your doctor implants a radioactive material into the bladder near the cancerous tumor. The device is inserted through either the urethra or a small incision.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is the stimulation anduse of the body’s own defenses to fight off cancer. The treatment involves boosting the bladder’s defensive abilities by injecting it with disease-fighting substances produced naturally by our bodies. These substances may be gathered from the body and concentrated, or they may be grown in a laboratory. This kind of therapy is only recommended for patients with cancer in its earlier stages.
Prevention
Abiding by the following instructions may help you prevent the development of bladder cancer:
- Do not smoke or use any tobacco products.
- Minimize exposure to certain chemicals.
- Eat a healthy diet rich with fruits and vegetables.
- Avoid foods high in fat or cholesterol.
- Minimize the use of the drug phenacetin.
If you have any further questions regarding Bladder Cancer or its treatment options, ask your doctor.
