What is bladder cancer?
Bladder cancer begins when in cells in the bladder grow out of control. The bladder is an organ that stores urine which is made in your kidneys and is transferred to your bladder by tubes called ureters. From your bladder, urine leaves your body through the urethra which is shorter in women and longer in men. Bladder cancers can affect not only your bladder but your ureters and urethra as well. There are different types of bladder cancers and they will have different treatment options.
What are the different types of bladder cancer?
Transitional cell carcinoma (urothelial) is the most common type of bladder cancer. Urothelial cells line the inside of the bladder, as well as other parts of the urinary tract. If there is a tumor, the entire urinary tract including the kidneys will need to be examined for cancerous cells.
Other types of bladder cancers include:
- Squamous cell carcinoma
- Adenocarcinoma
- Small cell carcinoma
- Sarcoma
What are the signs and symptoms of bladder cancer?
Signs and symptoms of bladder cancer include blood in the urine, changes in urination habits and pain while urinating.
Advanced bladder cancer symptoms include:
- Inability to urinate
- Lower back pain
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Swelling in the feet
- Bone pain
Urination problems are also common signs of a urinary tract infection which requires medication. Consult your physician if you are experiencing any of these symptoms.
What causes bladder cancer?
Experts don’t know for certain what causes bladder cancer. However, certain risks can increase your chance of developing bladder cancer. In addition to family history and genetics, there are several bladder cancer risk factors .
Risk factors for bladder cancer include:
- Smoking
- Industrial chemical exposure
- Age
- Gender
- Race or ethnicity
- Chronic bladder problems
- Arsenic exposure in drinking water
- Low fluid consumption
- Certain medications
In addition to these risk factors, having bladder or urothelial cancer can increase your risk for developing bladder cancer again. Bladder birth defects also increase a person's risk for bladder cancer.
How is bladder cancer diagnosed?
Physicians can use urinalysis tests to find blood in urine which is a sign of bladder cancer. Other diagnostic tests include urine cytology and urine tests for tumor markers. These tests have been successful at finding bladder cancer early to help patients fight cancer to best of their abilities.
What are bladder cancer treatment options?
Many times, the best treatment for bladder cancer is a combination of treatment approaches. Bladder cancer treatment plans are determined by the patient and their doctor. Treatment plans for bladder cancer may include surgery, intravesical therapy, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.
Bladder Cancer Treatment at Baptist Cancer Center
At Baptist Cancer Center, patients receive advanced, leading-edge care. Bladder cancer treatment teams may include urologists, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists and other medical professionals such as nurse practitioners, nurses, psychologists and rehab specialists. We take into consideration your goals and will work closely with you and your family to help ensure you receive the information, support and care that you need close to home.
Your care begins with our expertise. Learn more about our cancer services now.