Genitourinary Cancer: Bladder
What is bladder cancer?
The bladder stores urine that is produced in the kidneys. The wall of the bladder has several layers and often times the cancer develops in the lining, or outer layers, of the organ. Treatment becomes more difficult to treat once the cancer grows through the layers and into the wall of the bladder.
There are four main types of bladder cancer which include urothelial carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, and small cell cancers.
Urothelial carcinoma is the most common form of bladder cancer, it may also be referred to as transitional cell carcinoma. The other three forms are much less common and there are additional types of bladder cancers that are extremely rare. Individuals that are considered to be at higher risk of developing the disease are encouraged to discuss each type of tumor in more detail with their physician.
How many people get bladder cancer?
This year, the American Cancer Society estimates that more than 61,000 new cases of bladder cancer will be diagnosed in the United States. Men have a 1 in 28 chance of developing this type of cancer during their lifetime while women have a 1 in 88 chance.
Statistics have shown that this disease is more common among men and occurs more often in Caucasians.
What causes bladder cancer?
There is no definitive cause of bladder cancer, but certain risk factors have been linked to the disease. The two primary risk factors include smoking and certain occupational exposures. Smoking is thought to be the greatest risk factor for developing the disease. Smokers are twice as likely to develop bladder cancer because it is thought that certain chemicals in cigarettes are absorbed through the bloodstream and ultimately collect in the urine.
Certain chemicals that are present in the making of dye have also been linked to bladder cancer. High-risk workers include painters, hairdressers, machinists, printers, and truck drivers. People who work with chemicals called aromatic amines may also be at higher risk. Those chemicals are primarily used in the production of rubber, leather, textiles, and paint products.
Additional risk factors include the individual’s gender, family history, bladder birth defects, and race. Men are four times as likely to develop bladder cancer than women and the risk also increases with age. People who have also undergone chemotherapy and radiation treatments may be more likely to develop this disease. Patients should discuss these and other risk factors with their doctor.
Can bladder cancer be prevented?
There is no way to completely prevent bladder cancer. The most effective way to lower the risk is to abstain from smoking and to exercise caution when handling chemicals that have the potential to cause cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, diets that are also high in fruits and vegetables may be effective in protecting against bladder cancer.
How is bladder cancer found?
A change in bladder habits and/or blood in the urine may be signs of bladder cancer. Detecting bladder cancer early improves the chance of successful treatment. A routine urinalysis may detect blood in the urine and additional screening tests can be performed for individuals that may have a higher risk of developing the disease.
How is bladder cancer treated?
Treatment will be different for each and every patient. The primary treatments for bladder cancer include surgery, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and chemotherapy. The stage and type of cancer determine the treatments that would be most appropriate.Learn more regarding each procedure.