Cigarette Smoking Greatest Risk for Bladder Cancer

When one thinks of cigarette smoking and cancer, one typically thinks of lung, mouth, or larynx cancer. However, there are other cancers caused by cigarette smoking, such as bladder cancer. Approximately 53,000 people are diagnosed with the disease each year.

The greatest risk factor for bladder cancer is smoking. Smokers are more than twice as likely to get bladder cancer as nonsmokers. Caucasians are two times more likely than non-Caucasians to develop bladder cancer, and men are four times more likely than women to develop the disease. Risks also increase with age.

How do the carcinogens in tobacco smoke get to the bladder? They are absorbed from the lungs and enter the blood. The blood is then filtered by the kidneys and concentrated in the urine. The bladder, which stores and discharges urine, has a lining that consists of a mucous layer of surface cells (urothelial cells), smooth muscle, and a fibrous layer. The carcinogens in the urine damage the urothelial cells that line the bladder walls. It is this damage that increases a smoker’s chance of developing tumors. Tumors may be superficial (categorized as low-stage) or muscle invasive (categorized as high-stage).

The primary symptom of bladder cancer is blood in the urine, a condition known as hematuria. Other symptoms may include frequent and painful urination. Hematuria may not necessarily be visible to the naked eye; microscopic examination may be necessary for detection.

Urological and imaging tests are used to diagnose bladder cancer. Some laboratory tests used are BladderChek, urinalysis, urine cytology, and urine culture. Imaging tests, such as an intravenous pyelogram (IVP) can also be used for detecting bladder cancer. An IVP may be a more effective approach for detection in that it provides information about the structure and function of the kidneys, ureters, and bladder. This imaging test uses an intravenously administered, radiopaque dye to produce a contrasting image visible in x-rays. As the dye moves through the urinary tract, x-rays are taken.

If bladder cancer is suspected, the urologist will use a local anesthesia to perform a cystoscopy of the bladder and a biopsy of the tumor. A cystoscope, which is a tiny, telescopic camera, is inserted through the urethra into the bladder. Tissue samples are taken from the lesion(s) and examined for cancerous cells.

There are many methods of treatment for bladder cancer. The best treatment method depends on the stage of the disease, the type of cancer, and the patient’s age and overall health. Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy are some options to be considered.

Although many factors contribute to the development of bladder cancer, you can drastically decrease your chances of getting the disease by quitting cigarette smoking.

Source: Urology Channel

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