Bladder Cancer Symptoms
The bladder is a hollow balloon-shaped organ in the pelvic area or lower abdomen. It stores urine, the liquid waste produced by the kidneys. The urine passes to the kidneys into the bladder through the tube called ureter. An outer layer of muscles surrounds the inner lining of the bladder. When the bladder is full, these linings contract to allow urination. Urine, then, leaves the bladder through another tube called Uretha.
What is a Bladder Cancer? A bladder cancer is a type of cancer that begins or develops in the bladder. There are different types of bladder cancer such as transitional cell carcinomas or cancer that begins in cells that make up the inner lining of the bladder. Also includes squamous cell carcinoma or cancer that begins in thin, flat cells and adenocarcinoma or the cancer that begins in cells that make and release mucus and other fluids. The cells that form squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma develop in the inner lining of the bladder as a result of chronic irritation and inflammation.
Bladder cancer typically affects older people, 90% of those affected are over 55 years of age, but may occur at any given age. The chance of men developing bladder cancer symptoms during his life is about 1 in 30 and for women, it is 1 in 90. Bladder cancer is the fourth most common cancer in men and one of the top eight cancers for women. It is also considered as the sixth most common cancer type in the United States.
Smokers are highly at risk of developing bladder cancer. Exposure to certain chemicals in industrial and manufacturing chemicals such as paints, thinners, and dyes have greater chance of increasing the risk, too. Being infected of certain parasites (Schistosoma haematobium) in a tropical area is most likely to give a boost in the risk of developing such disease. Also, members of the family who has history of having bladder cancer may likely to pass the disease to their next generation. Caucasians are twice as likely to get bladder cancer as African Americans or Hispanics.
It is good to know that this type of cancer can be diagnosed at early stages and is highly treatable. However, there is a possible chance of Bladder cancer recurrence. This is the reason why awareness of its signs and symptoms, even at malignant stage, are critical. Urologists are the experts to perform bladder cancer diagnosis on its possible occurrence. The urologist will note a complete medical history including all symptoms, a family medical history, and the patient's cigarette smoking and occupational history. Once all risk factors have been established, the urologist may, and then examine the bladder using a number of different diagnostic tools.
There are several bladder cancer symptoms to watch out in order to prevent the spread of cancer cells in the bladder. The most common of it is blood in the urine or medically termed as Hematuria: gross hematuria (visible to the naked eye) and microscopic hematuria (can be seen with the aid of a microscope). Eighty to ninety percent will have either gross or microscopic hematuria occurring frequently or intermittently. Another is bladder cancer pain caused by painful urination or Dysuria, abdominal or back pain. Another common symptom is frequent urination or the sensation of having to urinate frequently. Also, the loss of appetite can be associated with bladder cancer.
Bladder cancer diagnosis is done in four ways such as Physical Examination of which the doctor feels the abdomen and pelvis for possible tumors. It may include a rectal or vaginal exam. Another is urine test which the fluid is test in the laboratory for blood, cancer cells and other signs of disease. The Intravenous pyelogram which is a conventional x-ray test using dye to examine pelvis of the kidney, ureters and bladder. It allows visualization of the lower and upper urinary tract to determine any abnormality. Cystoscopy which evaluates the bladder by direct visual examination with a specialized instrument calls a cystoscope, which is placed in the bladder via the urethra during the examination.
The doctor may determine the bladder cancer stages upon the time of diagnosis or may need to perform more tests such as CT Scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), sonogram, bone scan, or chest x-ray. At times, bladder cancer staging is not complete until the patient has surgery. Bladder Cancer stages from 0 or superficial cancer when cancer cells are found only on the surface of the inner lining of the bladder. Stage 1 is when the cells are found deep in the lining but haven't spread to the bladder's muscles. Stage 2, is when the cells have already spread in the muscles. Stage 3, the cells are in the muscles and spread to the layer of tissue surrounding the bladder. It may have also spread to the prostate (in men) or to uterus (in women), and Stage 4, bladder cancer spread in the abdomen or pelvis and may have spread to lymph nodes and other parts of the body such as lungs.
There are different scientific ways of bladder cancer treatment: chemotherapy, intravesical therapy, radiation therapy (radiotherapy), and surgery. Sometimes they are applied as sole therapy or in other cases; some people may get combination of therapies. Biologic therapy or immunotherapy boosts the body immune system to fight cancer. Patients with stages II and III are often subjected to bladder removal (radical cystectomy). The proper course of bladder cancer treatment is determined only after careful characterization of bladder cancer and consultation between the patient and his or her physician.).
Bladder cancer prognosis as well as bladder cancer survival rate varies depending on the stage of the cancer it was diagnosed. Nearly 90% of patients with superficial bladder cancer survive for at least 5 years after treatment. Only 5% of patients with metastatic bladder cancer survive for at least two years after having diagnosed and treated. Recurrent bladder cancer indicates a more aggressive type and a poor outlook for long term survival for patients with high stage bladder cancer while superficial bladder cancer is rarely life threatening.
