To begin with, the bladder is located in the lower part of the abdomen. It is a small hollow organ that is used to store urine that is produced by the kidneys. Kidneys filter the blood and clean it and the waste products form urine. Malignant cells when formed in the bladder causes bladder cancer.
That said, there are three types of bladder cancers. Cancer generally begins in the cells that form the lining of the bladder. The cancers are named after the malignant cells that cause the cancer.
Transitional cell carcinoma: This cancer is caused by the cells that form the innermost lining of the bladder. These cells enable the bladder to expand when it is full and shrink when it is empty. Most of the bladder cancers are observed to begin in the transitional cells. Low grade transitional cell carcinoma is said to recur but rarely spreads to other parts of the body. High grade transitional cell carcinoma is said to recur too and is known to spread to other parts of the body too.
The second type of cancer begins in the cells that are formed in the bladder after long term infection or irritation.
The final type of cancer begins in the glandular cells that are found in the lining of the bladder. This is a very rare type of cancer.
Signs and symptoms
The signs and symptoms include:
- Blood in the urine
- Frequent urination
- Pain during urination
- Lower back pain
Bladder cancer treatment and tests:
The various tests that are used in bladder cancer treatment are:
- Physical examination
- Internal examination
- Urine analysis
- Urine Cytology
- Cystology
- Biopsy
- IVP
The most common risk factors are:
- Smoking, tobacco of any kind
- Family history is considered as a major risk factor
- Genes are also linked to bladder cancer.
- Exposure to paints, dyes, metals, petroleum products etc.
- Previous history of treatment with radiation therapy or some anti cancer drugs especially treatment that involved the pelvis.
- Well water that contains high levels of arsenic.
- Drinking water that has been treated with chlorine.
- Someone that has a history of bladder infections etc.
- Use of catheters for a long period of time.
Treatment options generally depend on the stage of the cancer. If the cancer is in its early stages, it can be generally cured. Treatment also depends upon the type of cells causing the cancer and a microscopic analysis of the same. Treatment also depends on the patient's general health, age and medical history. Other factors to be considered are the number of tumors present and their size and whether it is a recurring tumor or first timer.
A thorough examination and analysis can lead to the right bladder cancer treatment. So, make sure that you are aware of the signs and symptoms and get appropriate treatment. Early treatment of any type of cancer increases the chances of cure.
Oncologist Dr. Dodul Mondal which provides complete treatment for bladder cancer and share basic information about all types of cancers and their treatment options.
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