Does blood in urine indicate metastatic urothelial cancer?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have been suffering from severe back pain for the past two weeks. I am a 48-year-old female. Recently, I came to see blood in my urine along with this back pain. I thought that I had a urinary tract infection as I had faced these symptoms previously. However, when I consulted the doctor, he advised me to undergo plenty of laboratory tests like urine cytology, urinary tumor marker tests, and cystoscopy. After undergoing these tests, I came to know that I have metastatic urothelial carcinoma.

May I know how this condition is caused?
What are the treatment options available to treat this condition?

Kindly help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understand your concern.

Metastatic urothelial carcinoma (UC), also called bladder cancer, occurs when cancer originating in the urothelial cells (lining the bladder, ureters, or urethra) spreads to other parts of the body, such as the lungs, liver, bones, or lymph nodes.

The causes of urothelial carcinoma are: Changes in the DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) of urothelial cells can lead to uncontrolled cell growth and cancer development.

Smoking: Tobacco carcinogens are filtered by the kidneys and stored in the bladder, damaging its lining.
Chemical exposure increases the risk of repeated urinary infections, bladder stones, or prolonged use of catheters.
Previous pelvic radiation can increase the risk.
A history of bladder cancer in close relatives may increase susceptibility.

Treatment options:

The treatment depends on the stage, the extent of metastasis, and overall health.

Chemotherapy: The use of medicines or drugs to treat cancer
Immunotherapy: A type of cancer treatment that helps your immune system fight cancer
Targeted Therapy: A cancer treatment that targets substances related to tumor growth and spread.
Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells by destroying their DNA and preventing them from growing or dividing.
Surgery: Surgery for metastatic urothelial carcinoma is often palliative, intending to relieve symptoms and improve overall quality of life.

Preventive measures include:

Maintain adequate fluid intake to support kidney function.
Stop smoking.
A balanced diet.

Let me know if you would like detailed guidance on managing symptoms or treatment side effects.

I hope this information will help you.

Kindly revert in case of further queries.

Thank you.