An Overview Of Bladder Cancer
An overview of bladder cancer
Bladder cancer is one of the most common types of cancer with around 60,000 new cases every year in the country. It affects more men than women. Also, people of all age groups are susceptible to this form of cancer, although older adults are more likely to be affected by it.
How does bladder cancer start?
- This form of cancer starts in the urothelial cells of the bladder lining.
These are basically epithelial cells that form the membrane of the bladder lining. These cells also form the linings of the urinary drainage system. Thus, this form of cancer can spread to the urinary system too. About 70% of cases are diagnosed at an early stage where treatments are highly efficient. However, bladder cancer has a high recurrence rate. One needs to monitor the condition for several years to detect any recurrence of the illness.
What are some common symptoms of bladder cancer?
- Like many other forms of cancer, the symptoms of bladder cancer are vague and may look like a less dangerous condition.
- Hematuria or blood in the urine, pain during urination, pain in the pelvis, back pain, and frequent urination are some early warning signs.
- Presence of blood need not always be the in the form of telltale red or cola colored urine. Often blood is detected only on microscopic examination of urine samples.
- Many lesser conditions have the same symptoms. Hence, it is advisable to meet a health professional if one experiences any of the signs mentioned above or other worrying symptoms.
How is bladder cancer diagnosed?
- The initial step uses various visual inspection and imaging techniques such as cystoscopy, urine cytology, as well as biopsy and imaging techniques like CT Scan or urogram, retrograde pyelogram, and MRI.
- Cystoscopy is a technique of introducing a thin tube (catheter), with a lens and a light attached to its tip. This method enables visual inspection of the bladder lining.
- Urine cytology is separating the cells from a urine sample with a centrifuge and studying the cells under a microscope. One can see any malignant cells present in the samples with this method.
- In a biopsy, tissues that are suspected to be malignant are removed. Usually, a cystoscopy helps detect these malignant cells, and sometimes, a healthcare professional may collect samples during the same procedure. It is also called TUR or Transurethral Bladder Resection. A biopsy also helps in determining the stage of cancer.
- Retrograde pyelograms are a diagnostic tool where a radioactive agent is introduced into the ureters and the kidneys. Then, an x-ray is taken to see if there is any growth in the upper urinary tract.
What are the stages of bladder cancer?
- It is essential to understand the stages of bladder cancer in order to determine the treatment options.
- The stages are on a scale from 0 to IV. The lower ranks indicate the early stages while IV is an advanced stage where cancer has metastasized, and treatment becomes difficult.
What are the different types of bladder cancer?
- Bladder cancers are of different types. The type of bladder cancer depends on the cells which have turned malignant. Cytological studies are conducted to make this identification.
- Urothelial carcinoma is the most common kind of bladder cancer in the country. Urothelial cells are the cells that form the bladder lining. These cells also form the lining of ureters and urethra.
- Squamous cell carcinoma is the result of chronic irritation of the bladder. Chronic urinary infection is caused by Schistosoma, a parasite, as well as by the prolonged use of a urinary catheter. This form of cancer is not very common in the country.
- Adenocarcinoma affects the mucus-secreting glands of the bladder. This is a rare kind of bladder cancer.
What are the treatment options for bladder cancer?
- The type and stage of cancer decide the choice of treatment to a large extent. Metastatic bladder cancer would require advanced treatment methods. Other factors like the patient’s general health and their preferences also aid in coming up with a treatment strategy.
- Generally, after an appropriate surgical procedure for treating bladder cancer, a patient undergoes chemotherapy to ensure that all cancer cells are killed.
- When surgery is not an option, the primary treatment options are systemic chemotherapy, radiation or immunotherapy.
- Advanced metastatic bladder cancer treatment involves radical cystectomy and reconstruction of the bladder called Neobladder Reconstruction surgeries.
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