Bladder Cancer

·       Bladder cancer is the sixth most common cancer in the U.S. It happens when cancer cells form in the tissues of the bladder. There are two types of bladder cancer: non-muscle invasive bladder cancer and muscle invasive bladder cancer. Treatment options for bladder cancer depend on how much the cancer has grown. Your urologist will stage and grade your cancer, consider your risk and assess the best way to manage your care. Treatment also depends on your age and general health.

Definition 

The bladder is a balloon-shaped organ in your pelvic area that has a muscular wall. This muscular wall allows the bladder to get larger or smaller to store urine. Bladder cancer is a disease where cancer cells form in the tissues of the bladder. Bladder cancer is the sixth most commonly diagnosed cancer in the U.S. 

There are two types of bladder cancer: non-muscle invasive bladder cancer and muscle invasive bladder cancer. Non-muscle invasive bladder cancer grows in the thin tissue on the inside surface of the bladder. Muscle-invasive bladder cancer means the cancer has spread into the muscle layer of the bladder wall. This makes it the more serious type of bladder cancer. Possible symptoms of either type include: 

·       Blood in the urine – known as hematuria

·       Frequent, urgent or painful urination 

·       Abdominal or back pain 

Risk factors for developing bladder cancer include: 

·       Smoking. This is the leading factor for bladder cancer. Smokers are three times more likely to get bladder cancer than people who don’t smoke 

·       Exposure to chemicals like those found in paints, dyes, metals, or petroleum products. 

·       Drinking water with high levels of arsenic.

·       Having a history of bladder infections. 

There are five tests and procedures that may be used to detect bladder cancer:

·       Physical exam to check for anything unusual.

·       Internal exam to check the vagina and/or rectum for lumps.

·       Urinalysis to check the color of urine and its contents, including protein and white blood cells.

·       Urine cytology. This is a lab test where a sample of urine is checked under a microscope for abnormal cells 

·       Cystoscopy. This is a procedure to look inside the bladder and urethra to check for abnormal areas. This is done using a thin tube called a cystoscopy that has a light and lens for viewing.

Treatment options for bladder cancer depend on the stage and size of your cancer. Your urologist will stage and grade your cancer and assess the best way to manage your care considering your risk. Treatment also depends on your age and general health.