What is Bladder Cancer?
Urinary Bladder is the hollow part where urine is stored. When cells in the bladder grow out of control, bladder cancer is formed. It is usually noticed that bladder cancer originates in the urothelial cells of the bladder that are the cells which line the insides of the bladder. These urothelial cells are found in various parts of the urinary tract like the kidneys, ureters, etc, and they can form cancer in those areas as well, however it’s highly common in the bladder. Bladder cancers are usually detected and diagnosed at an early stage and therefore the treatment for it is highly successful. However, urinary bladder cancer does have a tendency to form again, after initial successful treatment and that is the reason regular follow up checks and tests are highly recommended.
What are the symptoms of Bladder Cancer?
Few noticeable signs of bladder cancer are:
- Blood in the urine: This is the most common sign of bladder cancer; however the quantity of blood could differ from microscopic to easily visible.
- Urination: Certain changes in the urination habits might be visible, such as frequent urination or pain or burning sensation while urinating.
- Lower back pain
- Loss of weight
- Swollen feet
- Inability to completely empty the bladder
What are the types of Bladder Cancer?
Bladder cancer is categorised into three types:
- Transitional Cell Carcinoma: This type of cancer is the most common kind of cancer and these cells usually are present in the inner lining of the bladder.
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Prolonged infection in the bladder can cause these flat, squamous cells to be formed in the bladder.
- Adenocarcinoma: This cancer is formed in the event that glandular cells form along the bladder when there has been a long term infection or inflammation of the bladder. Glandular cells are responsible for creating bodily fluids such as mucus.
How is bladder cancer diagnosed?
Few tests that could help determine the type of cancer are:
- Cystoscopy.
- Biopsy.
- Urine Cytology.
- CT Scan.
- MRI Scan.
- PET Scan
What is the treatment for Bladder Cancer?
Based on the stage and complexity of the cancer, the plan of treatment might include:
- Surgery.
- Chemotherapy.
- Radiotherapy.
- Immunotherapy.
What are the stages of Bladder Cancer?
- Stage 0: Cancer has not spread beyond the bladder lining.
- Stage 1: Cancer has not yet reached the bladder muscle.
- Stage 2: Cancer has invaded the bladder muscle layer.
- Stage 3: The cancer has now reached the surrounding tissues of the bladder.
- Stage 4: The cancer has invaded neighbouring parts of the bladder.
Can you prevent Bladder Cancer?
Few simple steps can help lower the risk of bladder cancer, such as:
- Quit Smoking: It is known that half of the bladder cancer cases are due to use of tobacco and its products.
- Fluids: Intake of lot of fluids especially water, helps get rid of all the waste in the body in the form of urine.
- Diet: Inculcate fruits and vegetables in the diet..