Bladder cancer is one of the most common cancer-types worldwide. Medical researchers in the field of urology focus their efforts on several treatments for pathologies of the bladder, yet bladder cancer calls for particular attention, due to the importance of starting early treatment.
Staying informed about bladder cancer; knowing the risks factors and modern treatments available are important ways to maintain the health of the bladder and urinary tract.
What is Bladder Cancer?
Bladder cancer develops from cancer cells present in layers of bladder muscles. Over time, cells become malignant (cancerous) tumours which make surrounding tissues of the pelvic region vulnerable to the metastatic cancer cells. Due to the threat of metastasis, modern medical technology works to precisely identify the presence of cancer cells and helps patients recognize symptoms in order to take the most important first step in seeking timely treatment.
Signs and Symptoms of Bladder Cancer
According to the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network (BCAN) bladder cancer is three times more common in men than among women. Symptoms of bladder cancer are primarily observed in abnormal benign growths, called polyps. The majority of polyps (found within the bladder) transform into cancerous growths. Polyps are identified and removed through cystoscopy; a biopsy taken to determine whether cells are cancerous will help guide any necessary treatments.
In addition, any symptom accompanied by inflammation indicates the need for examination and treatment of any swelling to avoid complications of any complexity. Common
symptoms of bladder cancer include the following:
- Bleeding from the bladder (Hematuria) which is a common indication of developing damage. It is characterized by small amounts of blood in the urine, and decipherable through microscopic analysis.
- Blood clots (thrombus) in the bladder may quickly become severe, and increase the risk of developing acute urinary disorders.
- Dysuria is characterized by painful urination
- Pain that is concentrated in the lower abdominals, pelvis, and parts of the spine. Pain in these regions may be a sign of cancer cells potential spreading through layers of tissue.
It is important to note that in beginning stages, bladder cancer symptoms may appear similar to that of a urinary tract infection (UTI). For this reason, getting examined by a medical professional can largely benefit the individual in avoiding harmful effects that may accompany the development of cancer cells.
As research continues into the origins and risks of bladder cancer, various diagnostic tools are used to achieve accurate diagnosis for many bladder cancer cases around the world. The range of diagnostic methods now in practice give patients the freedom to choose the technique that is best for them and that which will return the best evidence related to providing treatment for the type of bladder cancer suspected. Survival rates for those who have had bladder cancer have vastly improved in recent years, due in part to the accuracy of these methods to catch cancerous cells early. The following will briefly outline some of the diagnostic tools to keep in mind.
1. Urinalysis: Identifies the presence of blood using cytological analysis and identification of cells observed in patient’s urine that may be cancerous.
2. Cystoscopy: A more invasive method, yet capable of providing precise measurement using endoscopy to acquire a sample of tissue (such as a polyp, for example) and may also require removal of surrounding tissue if cancer is suspected, in order to perform further analysis.
Other techniques include other imaging strategies to test for the existence of cancer cells, including ultrasound or MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging).
Treatment for Bladder Cancer
Urology experts have made numerous developments in diagnostics for bladder cancer detection and several
bladder cancer treatment options available to patients. Widely used treatments include
chemotherapy,
immunotherapy,
radiotherapy, as well as any
combination of treatment methods, depending on the patient’s needs.
Urologists provide the most comprehensive treatments available to patients today. By doing so, many patients experience successful, positive results. Many who once suffered from bladder cancer, now maintain a cancer-free lifestyle and benefit from staying up-to-date on the developments and advancements in the field of bladder cancer treatment.
Source:
Herzliya Medical Center
