Bladder cancer is the most common kind of cancer that develops in the cell of your bladder. It is a muscular organ located in the lower abdomen, which stores urine. Bladder cancer usually starts in the cancerous cells (Urothelial Cells) which are found inside the bladder.
Urothelial cancer can occur in the kidneys and ureters also, however, it’s more prevalent in the bladder. The majority of bladder cancers are detected in the early stages which means that the cancer is curable. However, bladder cancers in early stages may recur following successful treatments.
Because of this, patients who suffer from bladder cancer usually require regular follow-up tests after treatment to determine if there is bladder cancer that has recurred.
When should you see a doctor?
If you are concerned you’ve got discolored urine and you are worried that it could contain blood, schedule an appointment with your physician to examine it. Also, make appointments with your physician in case you experience other symptoms or signs that make you anxious.
Causes of Bladder Cancer
Bladder cancer develops when the bladder cells develop mutations within their DNA cells. DNA contains instructions telling the cells what to do. The modifications instruct cells to multiply quickly and to continue living even when healthy cells cease to exist. The abnormal cells create an invading tumor that can kill normal tissues.
Over time the abnormal cells may split and then spread (metastasized) throughout the body.
Prevention of Bladder Cancer
Although there is no sure way to avoid bladder cancer, however, you can take steps to decrease your chance of developing it.
Don’t smoke: If you don’t smoke, don’t start it. If you do smoke consult your physician about a plan to stop smoking. As it will ruin your prevention plan. Support groups, as well as medications, could assign you in quitting.
Be cautious around chemical substances: If you work with chemicals, make sure you follow all precautions to prevent exposure.
Select a wide range of Vegetables and Fruits: Choose a diet with a wide variety of colorful vegetables and fruits. The antioxidants found in fruit and vegetable can lower your risk of developing cancer.
The Types of Bladder Cancer
Different kinds of cells within the bladder could develop into cancerous. The kind of bladder cell in which cancer first develops is the basis of the type of cancer in your bladder. Doctors make use of this information to decide which treatments are most effective for you.
The types of bladder cancer that are present include:
- Urothelial cancer
- Squamous cell cancer
- Adenocarcinoma
Ways to Treat Bladder Cancer?
Your doctor will collaborate with you to decide on the treatment that is best for you depending on the stage and type of cancer in your bladder along with your symptoms, as well as your general health.
Treatment for Stage 0 and Stage 1
Treatment for stage 0 or stage one bladder cancer can involve removal of cancerous bladder tissues, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy. This involves using a drug that triggers an immune system to fight cancerous cells.
Stage 2 Treatment and Stage 3
Stage 2 and stage 3 bladder cancer treatment options:
- Removal of a part of the bladder, as supplement chemotherapy.
- Removal of the entire bladder and bowel, which is a major cystectomy, is followed by surgery that creates an alternative method for urine to leave the body.
- Treatment with chemotherapy radiation or immunotherapy can be used to reduce the size of tumors before surgery, treat cancer in cases where surgery isn’t possible to kill cancerous cells after surgery or to keep cancer from returning.
Treatment for Bladder Cancer stage 4
Treatment options for bladder cancer at stage 4 may consist of:
- Chemotherapy, without surgery, alleviates symptoms and prolongs the life of patients.
- Radical cystectomy and the removal of lymph nodes that surround it, followed by a procedure to create an alternative route for urine to leave the body.
- Treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation and immunotherapy following surgery kill cancer cells, or alleviate symptoms and prolong life.
- Clinical Trial Drugs.
