Bladder Cancer

Bladder cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the bladder, which is the organ that stores urine in the body. It is the 6th most common type of cancer in the United States, and it is more common in men than women.

What is Bladder Cancer?

Bladder cancer begins when abnormal cells in the bladder grow and multiply uncontrollably, forming a tumor. The tumor can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). If left untreated, bladder cancer can spread to other parts of the body, such as the lymph nodes, liver, lungs, and bones.

Types of Bladder Cancer

There are several types of bladder cancer, including:

• Transitional Cell Carcinoma (TCC): This is the most common type of bladder cancer, accounting for about 90% of all cases. It begins in the transitional cells that line the inside of the bladder.
• Squamous Cell Carcinoma: This type of bladder cancer is more common in areas where a certain parasitic infection (schistosomiasis) is prevalent. It begins in the squamous cells, which are flat cells that can appear in the bladder lining.
• Adenocarcinoma: This type of bladder cancer is rare and begins in the glandular cells of the bladder.

Symptoms of Bladder Cancer

The symptoms of bladder cancer may include:

• Blood in the urine (hematuria): This is the most common symptom of bladder cancer, and it can be microscopic (only visible under a microscope) or gross (visible to the naked eye).
• Painful urination: Bladder cancer can cause pain or discomfort while urinating.
• Frequent urination: People with bladder cancer may need to urinate more often than usual.
• Urinary urgency: This is a sudden, intense need to urinate.
• Pelvic pain: Bladder cancer can cause pain in the pelvic area.

Risk Factors for Bladder Cancer

Certain factors can increase a person's risk of developing bladder cancer, including:

• Smoking: Smoking is the most significant risk factor for bladder cancer, as it exposes the body to carcinogens that can damage the bladder lining.
• Age: Bladder cancer is more common in people over the age of 55.
• Family history: People with a family history of bladder cancer are at increased risk.
• Certain chemicals: Exposure to certain chemicals, such as those used in the textile and rubber industries, can increase the risk of bladder cancer.

Treatments for Bladder Cancer

The treatment for bladder cancer depends on the stage and type of cancer, as well as the person's overall health. Treatment options may include:

• Surgery: Surgery to remove the tumor or the entire bladder (cystectomy) may be necessary.
• Intravesical therapy: This involves delivering medication directly into the bladder through a catheter to treat superficial tumors.
• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy can be used to treat bladder cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.
• Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells and may be used in combination with surgery or chemotherapy.
• Immunotherapy: This is a type of treatment that helps the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells.

Stages of Bladder Cancer

Bladder cancer is typically staged using the TNM system, which takes into account the size and extent of the tumor (T), whether lymph nodes are involved (N), and whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body (M). The stages of bladder cancer are:

• Stage 0: Cancer is only in the lining of the bladder.
• Stage I: Cancer has invaded the connective tissue layer just beneath the lining of the bladder.
• Stage II: Cancer has invaded the muscle layer of the bladder.
• Stage III: Cancer has spread to the fatty tissue surrounding the bladder and/or to nearby lymph nodes.
• Stage IV: Cancer has spread to distant parts of the body, such as the lungs or bones.

Prognosis for Bladder Cancer

The prognosis for bladder cancer depends on the stage and type of cancer, as well as the person's overall health. Generally, the 5-year survival rate for people with bladder cancer is:

• 96% for Stage 0: Cancer that is only in the lining of the bladder.
• 88% for Stage I: Cancer that has invaded the connective tissue layer just beneath the lining of the bladder.
• 63% for Stage II: Cancer that has invaded the muscle layer of the bladder.
• 36% for Stage III: Cancer that has spread to the fatty tissue surrounding the bladder and/or to nearby lymph nodes.
• 15% for Stage IV: Cancer that has spread to distant parts of the body, such as the lungs or bones.

Prevention of Bladder Cancer

While there is no sure way to prevent bladder cancer, certain lifestyle changes can reduce the risk, including:

• Quitting smoking: Smoking is a significant risk factor for bladder cancer.
• Avoiding exposure to certain chemicals: Certain chemicals, such as those used in the textile and rubber industries, can increase the risk of bladder cancer.
• Drinking plenty of water: Staying hydrated can help flush out toxins from the body.