How to Understand Bladder Cancer - HowtoUK

What is bladder cancer?

Bladder Cancer is often malignant tumors found within the bladder, however, not all tumors are cancerous. Malignant tumors have the ability to travel to other organs through the blood or the lymphatic system. There are three cell types that can turn into cancer in the bladder.

Urothelial carcinoma also known as transitional cell carcinoma. This is the most common bladder cancer in the US. These are normal cells that form the inner lining of the bladder wall. The cells begin to change and lead to fast uncontrolled growth, which is characteristic of cancer.
Squamous cell carcinoma is thin flat cells that are created from bladder inflammation or irritation that has been present for a very long time even years.
Adenocarcinoma is cancer of the cells that make the glands.

Causes of bladder cancer

The exact cause of bladder cancer is unknown; however, many of the carcinogens that can cause cancer have been linked to bladder cancer. Smoking is the highest risk of the development of bladder cancer.

Chemical exposure has been linked to bladder cancer from working in industries such as the dye industry, rubber processing, leather processing, hair coloring, textiles, paints, and printing.
Individuals that consume large amounts of animal fats and fried meats are believed to be at risk for developing bladder cancer.

Other factors that are possible causes of bladder cancer include senior citizens, men have a greater chance than women, Caucasians have a greater risk than other races, the use of aristolochia fang chi found in dietary supplements, history of bladder cancer, chronic bladder inflammation, and birth defects.
Symptoms of bladder cancer Blood in the urine Pain during urination Burning during urination The urge to urinate more often
These are symptoms that can be a sign of other illnesses and may not be cancer at all. If you have any of these symptoms, you should visit your doctor to ensure you do not have bladder cancer. With many individuals that have bladder cancer, no visible signs were present.

Treatment for bladder cancer

Treatment for bladder cancer has quite a bit to do with the type of cancer you may have and how far the disease has progressed. Other factors such as your age, health, and if you have been treated for cancer previously also has a lot to do with the treatment that will be recommended.
The most common treatments for bladder cancer are surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. These treatments can be used alone or in various combinations. In some cases, immunotherapy or biological therapy may also be used. This therapy works with your body’s cancer fighting ability.

Prevention of bladder cancer

As with most cancers, there are no prevention methods, however, there are ways you can reduce your risk factors. The way you can reduce your chances of developing bladder cancer include stopping smoking, avoid chemical exposure, and drink plenty of fluids.