Types of Cancers-Carcinoma Of Bladder
The early detection of bladder cancer can result in complete cure. The exact cause of the disease; however, is not known, so reducing risk factors is the key to preventing it. Smokers are twice as likely to develop the disease making tobacco a major risk factor.
Bladder cancer is carcinoma of the lining of the urinary bladder. The bladder is a hollow muscular organ which stores urine leaving the kidney and empties it into the urethra for excretion. If detected early carcinoma of the bladder cancer can be completely cured.
Every year in the USA over 50,000 new cases of bladder cancer are diagnosed, and over 12,000 die. It is three times commoner in men than women. The lowest incidence is among the Asian population, while the highest is among Caucasians.
Risk Factors
The exact cause of bladder cancer is not known, but certain risk factors play a part in developing the disease. Smoking is a major risk factor; smokers are twice as likely to develop the disease. Exposure to chemicals as in the: the dye, textile and paint industries increases the risk. Other risk factors are:
The symptoms associated with bladder cancer may be symptoms of other conditions. Investigations will be done to exclude other diseases. The first sign is blood in the urine. The urine may change color to a yellow-red, or may be a dark red. Other signs and symptoms may include:
An Intravenous Pyelogram- A dye is injected into the blood stream, to the kidneys, bladder, ureters and urethra, clearly defining them. X-rays are taken to determine if there is a tumor or abnormality.
Treatment
Treatment will depend on the stage of the cancer, the medical history and the person's health status.
Surgery – Removal of the tumor is the treatment of choice in the early stages when the cancer has not spread. The tumor is removed through the urethra using a cystoscope, without opening the abdomen. A high-energy laser beam is then used to kill any remaining cells.
Partial Cystectomy- If the cancer has invaded the walls and the tumor is small, part of the bladder is removed by opening the abdomen.
Total Cystectomy- If the cancer has invaded the walls and the tumor is large, the bladder will be removed along with other organs. In a male the prostate is removed; in a female the uterus, ovaries and the fallopian tubes are removed. With this procedure, an opening in the abdomen has to be created to receive the urine. The stoma as it is called drains the urine into a bag, which has to be emptied manually. This procedure alters the quality of life of the patient as passing urine is no longer a normal action.
Radiation therapy- High-energy rays are used to kill the cancer cells. This may be done:
Immunotherapy- This is using a drug to stimulate the individual’s own immune system to fight the disease. Other forms of treatment are:
Individuals with a history of previous bladder cancer need regular screening to prevent recurrence. They also need to take preventive measures to reduce other risk factors. Those working in the dye, leather and textile industries need to take preventive measures to reduce their risks. Women may wish to reconsider taking hormone replacement therapy especially if other risk factors exist. Other preventive actions are:
Every year in the USA over 50,000 new cases of bladder cancer are diagnosed, and over 12,000 die. It is three times commoner in men than women. The lowest incidence is among the Asian population, while the highest is among Caucasians.
Risk Factors
The exact cause of bladder cancer is not known, but certain risk factors play a part in developing the disease. Smoking is a major risk factor; smokers are twice as likely to develop the disease. Exposure to chemicals as in the: the dye, textile and paint industries increases the risk. Other risk factors are:
- Previous cancer of the bladder
- Tobacco use
- Exposure to cancer causing agents
- History of frequent urinary infections
- History of kidney stones
- Hormone replacement therapy
- Male gender
The symptoms associated with bladder cancer may be symptoms of other conditions. Investigations will be done to exclude other diseases. The first sign is blood in the urine. The urine may change color to a yellow-red, or may be a dark red. Other signs and symptoms may include:
- Painful urination
- Frequency of urination
- Urge to urinate, but can't
- Blood cells in the urine
- Urine tests for the presence of bacteria
- Urine tests for the presence of cancerous cells
An Intravenous Pyelogram- A dye is injected into the blood stream, to the kidneys, bladder, ureters and urethra, clearly defining them. X-rays are taken to determine if there is a tumor or abnormality.
Treatment
Treatment will depend on the stage of the cancer, the medical history and the person's health status.
Surgery – Removal of the tumor is the treatment of choice in the early stages when the cancer has not spread. The tumor is removed through the urethra using a cystoscope, without opening the abdomen. A high-energy laser beam is then used to kill any remaining cells.
Partial Cystectomy- If the cancer has invaded the walls and the tumor is small, part of the bladder is removed by opening the abdomen.
Total Cystectomy- If the cancer has invaded the walls and the tumor is large, the bladder will be removed along with other organs. In a male the prostate is removed; in a female the uterus, ovaries and the fallopian tubes are removed. With this procedure, an opening in the abdomen has to be created to receive the urine. The stoma as it is called drains the urine into a bag, which has to be emptied manually. This procedure alters the quality of life of the patient as passing urine is no longer a normal action.
Radiation therapy- High-energy rays are used to kill the cancer cells. This may be done:
- Before surgery to shrink the tumor
- After surgery to destroy remaining cancer cells
- In advanced stages to relieve symptoms
Immunotherapy- This is using a drug to stimulate the individual’s own immune system to fight the disease. Other forms of treatment are:
- Alternative and complementary therapies
- Photodynamic therapy
Individuals with a history of previous bladder cancer need regular screening to prevent recurrence. They also need to take preventive measures to reduce other risk factors. Those working in the dye, leather and textile industries need to take preventive measures to reduce their risks. Women may wish to reconsider taking hormone replacement therapy especially if other risk factors exist. Other preventive actions are:
- Keeping weight within limits
- Developing a healthy eating pattern
- Avoiding tobacco use
- Avoiding second hand smoke
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