Saturday, July 19, 2008

What is Bladder Cancer?

Bladder cancer refers to the formation of cancerous cells in the bladder (the organ that stores urine). In this disease the cells become malignant and multiply rapidly and without control in the bladder. This form of cancer most commonly occurs as transitional cell carcinoma or, in simpler terms, within the cells located in the inner lining of the organ. Less common versions also include squamous cell carcinoma (cancerous cells that are thin and flat), and adenocarcinoma (cancer that begins in cells that produce fluid).

Signs and Symptoms


Bladder cancer symptoms range from blood in the urine (not always visible by the human eye), pain or discomfort during urination, frequent urination (pollakiura), or feeling a need to urinate with no results. It is important to note that some of these symptoms can develop from cystitis and prostate infections. Proper diagnosis by a qualified medical doctor (MD) or urologist should be undertaken to determine what is causing the underlying symptoms of bladder cancer.

Causes, Prevention, and Risk Factors

The primary causes of bladder cancer (and many other forms of cancer), is believed to be environmental carcinogens. With this in mind, tobacco use is considered to be the leading cause, especially in male patients where it is nearly twice as common as that of female patients. Occupations with the highest risk include metal workers, those employed in the textile industry, and individuals who work in printing. Bladder cancer is not believed, by most physicians, to be heritable (it does not spread through families).

Types and Forms

There are three primary types of bladder cancer which include:

Transitional cell carcinoma - Transitional cell carcinoma is the formation of cancerous cells that line the inside of the bladder. These cells expand the bladder when its full and contract if empty. Transitional cell carcinoma is the most common form of bladder cancer within the U.S.

Squamous cell carcinoma - Squamous cells appear in your bladder usually in response to some form of infection or irritant. Over time these cells can eventually become cancerous. Squamous cell carcinoma is a rare form of cancer in the United States. However, it is fairly common in third world countries and areas where parasitic infections are more common. These parasitic infections are known to cause squamous cell carcinoma in the bladder.

Adenocarcinoma - In Adeneocarcinoma, the cancer develops in mucus secretion glands in the bladder. Like squamous cell carcinoma, this form of cancer is also quite rare.

For more information about bladder cancer treatment, diagnosis, facts, and videos visit our web page located on our cancer website.

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Bladder Cancer

Bladder is another important part of our body that helps in disposal of wastes from our body. Bladder is responsible for collecting and storing urine till it is finally disposed off from our body. The occurrence of cancer in bladder is known as bladder cancer.

Types of bladder cancer

Depending on what cells are affected by bladder cancer, the bladder cancer is known as urothelial cell cancer or squamous cell cancer. There are other types of bladder cancer too and sometimes the same kind of bladder cancer might be known by two or more different names too.

Cause of bladder cancer

Exposure to chemicals (as used in certain types of factories) and smoke (tobacco smoke) can lead to a greater risk of bladder cancer. So, the risk of bladder cancer is higher in smokers (and this is besides the fact that smoking can really increase the risk of lung cancer). However, not many smokers pay heed to the advice about quitting smoking. Like a number of other types of cancer, the bladder cancer too occurs mostly in older people i.e. people who are above the age of 50. The exact causes of bladder cancer are, however, a matter of research and the researchers are continuously working towards getting an answer to this.

Symptoms of bladder cancer

As you would have thought, the symptoms of blood cancer are associated with the process of urination. Pain in the bladder or frequent urge for urinating are other symptoms which might indicate bladder cancer. However, none of these symptoms can be conclusively related to bladder cancer. These symptoms could very well be caused by other conditions or infections. Getting worried about bladder cancer without having gone through proper diagnosis can do nothing but harm your peace of mind. So, if you feel that you have such symptoms you must immediately consult a qualified doctor.

Diagnosis of bladder cancer

The diagnosis of bladder cancer starts with urine tests. The doctor may perform/ prescribe other tests in order to diagnose bladder cancer. X-rays, blood test, intravenous urogram and biopsies could also be used for testing bladder cancer. Again, catching bladder cancer in early stages can really help in combating this dreaded condition.

Treatment of bladder cancer

Based on how bad the bladder cancer is (and also the type of bladder cancer), the doctor will draw out your treatment plan. The treatment can range from surgery to radiotherapy or chemotherapy. There are a few other treatments for bladder cancer but really it all depends on the type of cancer, the stage of cancer etc.

Warren and Karen have been involved in the internet for a number of years and run several websites. They are most interested in providing opportunities for people to connect with information relating to business, health and creativity. Check out their Bladder Cancer blog for more information.

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Bladder Cancer

While generally speaking about Bladder, it is an organ that stores the urine of the body. It allows the urine to be stored only for a short duration of time after certain time duration people will discharge it as urine. When the bladder if free without urine it appears to be compressed structure and like a balloon. The muscular structure of the bladder facilitates and assists the pelvic muscles to set out the urine when it is discharged. If the urinary bladder is swollen then it must be taken care. Some symptoms of Bladder Cancer are blood while passing urine, heavy hurt at times of urinating, sensation of urinating but no passage of urine.

Cancer that is produced in the tissues of the urinary bladder is known as bladder cancer. Generally, Cancer that starts in cells and they formulate in the internal lining of the urinary bladder. Some other types of cancer give their start up in flat, skinny cells and these types are said to be as Squamous cell carcinoma. This type will expand into the urinary bladder and this will lead to disasters and sufferings like never-ending irritation, redness and swelling. The other type called Adenocarcinoma will embark on cells and this will lead to the discharge of mucus and various other fluids. Bladder Cancer occurs when the cells grow wildly they form tumors and they afflict various tissues and the other parts of the body.

Bladder Cancer is quite common with both men and women. Fifty thousand patients are diagnosed each year and out of 50,000 patients 12,000 patients have lost their life in US. Cigarette smoking the major risk taking factor for the formation of bladder cancer. Cigar smokers have the bright and double chance of getting Bladder cancer. Giving an end to smoking will help to prevent from Bladder cancer. Do not be used to carcinogenic compounds as they give chances for Bladder cancer. Consult a physician if there is any symptoms are pain in the uterus or while passing the urine. Recently an association has found out that chlorinated water, intaking of saccharin and cholesterol foods will cause Bladder Cancer.

The very common symptom of Bladder cancer is the occurrence of blood in the urine and it is known as Hematuria. The blood in the urine can moreover be seen with the naked eye and it is known as Gross Hematuria and sometimes it might be noticeable and identified only when it is checked in a laboratory and such types are known as Microscopic Hematuria. These two kinds will be there in 80% of patients having bladder cancer. As a result, it is very much compulsory to check with a physician when a person has noted the occurrence blood in the urine.

Some other symptoms of Bladder cancer comprise urinary tract disease. This disease will lead to augmented occurrence of urination, feeling to urinate urgently, heavy hurt and throb while urination. These are the general symptoms that will be noticed if a person has Bladder cancer. All these symptoms are caused due to the frustration in the bladder wall by the tumor. In some complex cases of bladder cancer, the tumor might obstruct either the opening of urine into the bladder or the exit of urine from the bladder. This will give rigorous line pain, illness, and injury to the kidneys.

Nila Priya - Bladder Cancer

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