Understanding Bladder Cancer
Explore causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options for bladder cancer.
What is Bladder Cancer?
Bladder cancer starts in the cells of the bladder, the organ that stores urine. It most commonly begins in the transitional cells that line the inside of the bladder.
The most common type is urothelial carcinoma (previously known as transitional cell carcinoma), but it can also involve squamous cells or glandular cells. Smoking is the most significant risk factor.
Symptoms of Bladder Cancer
Blood in Urine
Visible or microscopic blood in the urine, often the first sign.
Frequent Urination
Needing to urinate more often than usual, especially at night.
Painful Urination
Pain or burning sensation during urination.
Urgency to Urinate
A strong feeling of needing to urinate, even if the bladder isn't full.
Back or Pelvic Pain
Pain in the lower back or pelvic region may occur as the tumor grows.
Diagnosis and Tests
Urinalysis
Testing a urine sample for blood or cancer cells.
Cystoscopy
A procedure where a thin tube with a camera is inserted into the bladder to look for tumors.
Biopsy
Tissue sample taken from suspected tumor for analysis to confirm cancer.
Treatment Options
1Transurethral Resection (TUR)
A common procedure to remove bladder tumors through the urethra without the need for incisions.
2Cystectomy
Surgical removal of part or all of the bladder, often combined with reconstructive surgery.
3Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy can be given directly into the bladder (intravesical) or systemically to treat advanced cancer.
4Immunotherapy
For some cases, treatments like Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) immunotherapy can stimulate the immune system to fight cancer cells.
Prognosis and Survival Rates
The prognosis for bladder cancer depends on the stage at diagnosis, tumor grade, and response to treatment. Early-stage cancers have a much higher chance of successful treatment.
| Stage | Description | 5-Year Survival |
|---|---|---|
| I | Cancer confined to the bladder lining | 90%+ |
| II | Cancer has spread to bladder muscle | 60-70% |
| III | Spread to surrounding tissues or lymph nodes | 25-35% |
| IV | Distant metastasis | 5-10% |
Need More Information?
If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms or have been diagnosed with adrenal cancer, our specialists are here to help with expert care and personalized treatment plans.
