Bladder cancer is an arose of abnormal tissue, develops in the bladder lining. Generally, there are different types of bladder cancer.
- Including: Transitional Cell Carcinoma, also known as Urothelial Carcinoma, is the majority type of bladder cancer that typically occurs in the inner lining of the urinary bladder. Transitional Cell Carcinoma, also known as Urothelial Carcinoma, is a common type of cancer that typically occurs in the inner lining of the urinary bladder.
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma; caused by chronic irritation of the bladder by urinary infection, certain radiation or chemotherapy as well as the left untreated kidney stones.
- Adenocarcinoma; cancer that begins in the glandular epithelium.
- Small cell carcinoma; developed by neuroendocrine cells.
- Sarcomas; often start in the muscle layer of the bladder.
Who is at risk for bladder cancer
- Age of 40 and above. Also, it is more commonly found in men than in women,
- Smoking, including secondhand smoke. Primarily, smokers possess a higher possibility of bladder cancer eightfold than nonsmokers,
- Exposure to certain hazardous chemicals,
- Consumption of nitrate from dietary sources, such as meat, or certain vegetables,
- Chronic bladder irritation, such as kidney stones or certain parasite infections,
- Certain medications used in chemotherapy,
- Genetics.
Symptoms of bladder cancer
- Blood in urine (hematuria) intermittent symptoms, usually painless,
- Urinary dysfunction, such as frequent urination, urinary incontinence, urinary retention, and burning urination (dysuria),
- In the case of cancer cells spread to other organs (metastasized), symptoms include back pain, bone pain, swollen feet, fatigue, and lack of appetite
Bladder Cancer Prevention
- Consuming more vegetables and fruits.
- Avoiding dehydration, proper hydration.
- Exercising regularly.
- Smoking cessation or prevent exposure to chemical fumes.
- For the person who has a family history of bladder cancer, a health check-up at least once a year is recommended.
Treatment for bladder cancer
Treatment options for bladder cancer depend on the stages of the disease, severity, and overall health status of the patients.
- Stage 1: Also known as non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer, treatment can be done by using a transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT).
- Stage 2: In this stage the cancerous cells have spread to the layers of muscle tissue of the bladder, treatment can be done by using radical cystectomy.
- Stage 3: The treatment can be done by using radical cystectomy combined with chemotherapy.
- Stage 4: Intravenous chemotherapy and palliative care.
Patient self-care.
- Consuming more fresh vegetables, fruits, and protein-rich diet, such as eggs, fish fillet. Avoiding hard to digest foods is recommended.
- Smoking cessation.
- Avoiding alcoholic beverages.
- Exercising regularly.
- Monitoring the treatment outcome in the first 3-6 months of therapy. Besides, annual screening for cystoscopy.
