Bladder Cancer - Causes, Risk Factors, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Introduction

Abnormal cells within the bladder multiply uncontrollably to become bladder cancer, a severe tumor that affects the urinary bladder. It is one of the most common malignancies in the world and can be quite harmful to health, especially for elderly people. Susceptibility is increased by elements like genetic predispositions, smoking, and chemical exposure. Early identification is crucial for effective therapy, as evidenced by signs such as hematuria and frequent urine. Numerous techniques, including cystoscopy and imaging tests, are used in diagnosis. Treatment options include immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgery; the selection of a treatment modality depends on the stage and characteristics of the malignancy. Because bladder cancer is a complex disease, research on the disease must continue, which emphasizes the significance of increasing public awareness, promoting preventative measures, and developing therapeutic approaches.

What Is Bladder Cancer?

Bladder cancer is cancer that develops in the urinary bladder. It is the most common type of cancer that occurs in the cells that line the inner wall of the bladder. The urinary bladder is a hollow muscular organ that stores urine in it. The cells that line the inside of the bladder are called urothelial cells. Urothelial cells can also be found in the ureters (which connect the bladder to the kidney) and kidneys. Urothelial cancer can also occur in the ureter and kidneys.

What Are The Causes of Bladder Cancer?

Bladder cancer can be caused by changes that occur in the DNA of the cells of the bladder. DNA of the cells will instruct what to do, but these DNA changes or mutations allow the cells to multiply rapidly and form a tumor. This tumor can invade and destroy the normal cells and spread throughout the body through metastasis. Smoking is a significant risk factor that causes bladder cancer.

What Are the Risk Factors For Bladder Cancer?

The known risk factors for bladder cancer include:

• Smoking - Smoking tobacco, cigarettes, and pipes may increase the risk of bladder cancer due to the bladder's exposure to the harmful chemicals that are deposited in the urine. During smoking, the body will absorb some chemicals and excrete some in the urine. These toxic chemicals damage the lining of the bladder.

• Increasing Age - The risk of getting bladder cancer increases with age. Though it can occur at any age, it is most commonly diagnosed in aged people.

• Being Male - Males are more likely to develop bladder cancer than females.

• Previous History of Cancer - People who had radiation therapy previously for cancer treatment at the pelvis level are at high risk of developing bladder cancer. And people who have anti-cancer drugs like Cyclophosphamide also have an increased risk of bladder cancer.

• Chronic Bladder Inflammation - Repeated inflammation like cystitis, infection of the bladder, or long-term use of the urinary catheter can increase the risk of bladder cancer due to irritation factors.

• Family History of Bladder Cancer - If bladder cancer is already present or there is a history of bladder cancer in the family, the likelihood of getting it is higher.

• Exposure to Certain Chemicals - The kidneys play a significant role in filtering all the harmful chemicals from the blood and sending it to the bladder. Due to this, the risk of bladder cancer is increased. The chemicals associated with bladder cancer are arsenic and chemicals used in the manufacture of rubber, dyes, textiles, leather, and paint products.

• Cowden's Disease- Multiple noncancerous tumors that typically affect the skin, mucous membranes, and internal organs are the hallmark of Cowden's disease, also known as PTEN hamartoma tumor syndrome, an uncommon genetic illness.

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• Lynch Disease - People with this syndrome are at high risk of getting bladder cancer.

What Are the Types of Bladder Cancer?

The type of cell affected in the bladder denotes which cell is involved or what cancer it is. Doctors may use this technique to determine which treatment is best. The types of bladder cancer are:

1. Urothelial Cancer - Urothelial cancer is the most common type of bladder cancer and is also called transitional carcinoma. The carcinoma occurs in the cells that line the urinary bladder. These urothelial cells will help the bladder expand when the bladder is full and contract when the bladder is empty. One kind of bladder cancer called a papillary bladder tumor develops as finger-like extensions from the bladder's inner lining called papillae. Its aggressiveness and available treatments can vary, and cystoscopy is frequently used for diagnosis.

2. Squamous Cell Carcinoma - They can be caused by chronic irritation of the bladder, such as an infection or long-term use of a urinary catheter. Squamous cell carcinoma is a rare form of bladder cancer.

3. Adenocarcinoma - It is a rare type of bladder cancer that occurs in the cells that form the mucus-secreting glands in the bladder.

What Are the Symptoms of Bladder Cancer?

Many bladder cancer patients can have blood in their urine but no pain while urinating. Other symptoms, like weight loss, fatigue, and bone tenderness, may indicate the disease's advanced stage.

• Blood clots or blood in the urine.

• Burning sensation or pain during urination.

• Frequent urination.

• Urinary urgency.

• Urinary incontinence.

• Lower back pain on one side of the body.

• Pain in the abdominal area.

How to Diagnose Bladder Cancer?

Bladder cancer can be diagnosed with one or more of the following methods.

1. Urine analysis.

2. An internal examination is done using a gloved hand to feel for any lumps that may indicate cancerous growth.

3. A cystoscopy is performed by inserting a narrow tube with a camera at its end into the urethra to view the bladder.

4. CT scan (computed tomography) to view the bladder.

5. A biopsy is taken by inserting a small tube into the urethra and collecting the bladder's tissue sample to check for cancer.

6. Intravenous pyelogram.

7. X-rays.

8. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

9. Positron emission tomography (PET).

10. Bone scan.

What Is the Treatment for Bladder Cancer?

The treatment for bladder cancer includes:

1. Treatment for Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer

• Chemotherapy.

• Cystectomy.

• Immunotherapy.

• Targeted therapy.

• Radiation therapy.

2. Treatment for Nonmuscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer

• Intravesical drug therapy.

• Transurethral resection of the bladder tumor.

• Cystoscopy.

3. Surgery to Remove the Tumor In Bladder Cancer:

• Neobladder reconstruction.

• Ileal conduit.

• Continent urinary reservoir.

• Transurethral resection of the bladder tumor.

• Cystoscopy.

When to See a Doctor for Bladder Cancer?

When there is discolored urine or blood in the urine, or any concerning signs and symptoms, schedule an appointment with a doctor for a checkup.

How to Prevent Bladder Cancer?

There is no real way to prevent bladder cancer, but the risk of getting bladder cancer can be reduced:

• Quit Smoking: Not smoking is a healthy choice; refrain from starting in the future. If smoking is a habit, consult a doctor to quit.

• Take Precaution: When working with chemicals, make sure to adhere to all safety instructions to prevent exposure.

• Intake of Variety of Fruits and Vegetables: The antioxidants present in colorful fruits and vegetables will help reduce the risk of bladder cancer.

• Drink Plenty of Water.

Conclusion

Bladder cancer is a serious health concern that calls for ongoing study, education, and preventative actions. Regular screenings are important since early detection is still necessary for an improved prognosis. Treatment approaches that have advanced, including targeted treatments and immunotherapy, provide promise for better results. Promoting prompt intervention requires public education on symptoms and risk factors. To address the complex nature of bladder cancer and eventually lessen its impact on people and society, cooperation between medical professionals, researchers, and the community is essential.