Bladder Cancer
What is the bladder?
Bladder is a hollow organ in the lower part of the abdomen that is shaped like a small balloon. It has a muscular wall that helps it get larger or smaller, depending on the urine stored urine volume. Urine is the liquid waste that is created by kidneys when it cleans the blood. Kidneys are connected to the bladder through tubes called ureters. When the bladder is emptied through a process of urination, the urine leaves the bladder through another tube called the urethra.
Bladder cancer - cancer that forms in the organ that stores urine, called bladder. Like many other cancers, this formation is a result of changes (mutation) of certain cells. Majority of bladder cancers begin in the cells that make up the inner lining of the bladder.
Other types of bladder cancer include squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. Squamous cell carcinoma begins in the flat cells in the inning lining of the bladder. Adenocarcinoma makes and releases mucus and other fluids. It also develops in the inner lining of the bladder. Unlike majority of bladder cancers, squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarnicoma are a result of chronic irritation and inflammation of the bladder.
Cancer that remains in the lining of the bladder is called superficial bladder cancer. Cancer that forms in the transitional cells may spread through the lining of the bladder, invading muscle walls of the bladder, and spreading to nearby organs and/or lymph nodes. Such bladder cancer is called to be invasive.
What increases the risk to develop bladder cancer?
· Smoking.
· Prolonged exposure to rubber, certain dyes and textiles, paint, and hairdressing supplies, and other chemicals.
· A diet high in fried meats and fat.
· Being older, male, or white.
· Prolonged irritation/inflammation of the bladder due to certain parasite.
How to detect and diagnose bladder cancer?
Various tests that examine the urine, vagina, or rectum are used in detecting and diagnosing bladder cancer. The more common tests used are:
CT/CAT Scan - a procedure that makes a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body. Often, a dye is injected into a vein or swallowed to help the organs or tissues to show up more clearly. To learn more about different types of scans, please click here.
Urinalysis - a test that checks the color and content of the urine. Lack of or increase of protein, white/red blood cells can provide signs of bladder related issues.
Urine cytology - examination of the urine under a microscope for abnormal cells.
Internal exam - examination of the vagina and/or rectum through insertion of gloved fingers to feel for lumps.
Cystoscopy - a procedure when an instrument (cystoscope) is inserted through the urethra into the bladder to check for abnormal areas. This instrument may have a tool to remove tissue samples to be checked for signs of cancer.
Biopsy - removal of cells or tissues to be checked under the microscope. This is done with an instrument called cystoscope. Depending on the size and stage of the bladder cancer, it can be possible to remove the entire tumor during the biopsy.
Treatment for bladder cancer
Bladder Cancer treatment options depend on the size and stage of the cancer. If detected in the early stages, it is possible to cure bladder cancer. It mostly depends on the severity (stage) of cancer, type of cancer cells, patient’s age and health, and availability of treatment options.
What is the bladder?
Bladder is a hollow organ in the lower part of the abdomen that is shaped like a small balloon. It has a muscular wall that helps it get larger or smaller, depending on the urine stored urine volume. Urine is the liquid waste that is created by kidneys when it cleans the blood. Kidneys are connected to the bladder through tubes called ureters. When the bladder is emptied through a process of urination, the urine leaves the bladder through another tube called the urethra.
Bladder cancer - cancer that forms in the organ that stores urine, called bladder. Like many other cancers, this formation is a result of changes (mutation) of certain cells. Majority of bladder cancers begin in the cells that make up the inner lining of the bladder.
Other types of bladder cancer include squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. Squamous cell carcinoma begins in the flat cells in the inning lining of the bladder. Adenocarcinoma makes and releases mucus and other fluids. It also develops in the inner lining of the bladder. Unlike majority of bladder cancers, squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarnicoma are a result of chronic irritation and inflammation of the bladder.
Cancer that remains in the lining of the bladder is called superficial bladder cancer. Cancer that forms in the transitional cells may spread through the lining of the bladder, invading muscle walls of the bladder, and spreading to nearby organs and/or lymph nodes. Such bladder cancer is called to be invasive.
What increases the risk to develop bladder cancer?
· Smoking.
· Prolonged exposure to rubber, certain dyes and textiles, paint, and hairdressing supplies, and other chemicals.
· A diet high in fried meats and fat.
· Being older, male, or white.
· Prolonged irritation/inflammation of the bladder due to certain parasite.
How to detect and diagnose bladder cancer?
Various tests that examine the urine, vagina, or rectum are used in detecting and diagnosing bladder cancer. The more common tests used are:
CT/CAT Scan - a procedure that makes a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body. Often, a dye is injected into a vein or swallowed to help the organs or tissues to show up more clearly. To learn more about different types of scans, please click here.
Urinalysis - a test that checks the color and content of the urine. Lack of or increase of protein, white/red blood cells can provide signs of bladder related issues.
Urine cytology - examination of the urine under a microscope for abnormal cells.
Internal exam - examination of the vagina and/or rectum through insertion of gloved fingers to feel for lumps.
Cystoscopy - a procedure when an instrument (cystoscope) is inserted through the urethra into the bladder to check for abnormal areas. This instrument may have a tool to remove tissue samples to be checked for signs of cancer.
Biopsy - removal of cells or tissues to be checked under the microscope. This is done with an instrument called cystoscope. Depending on the size and stage of the bladder cancer, it can be possible to remove the entire tumor during the biopsy.
Treatment for bladder cancer
Bladder Cancer treatment options depend on the size and stage of the cancer. If detected in the early stages, it is possible to cure bladder cancer. It mostly depends on the severity (stage) of cancer, type of cancer cells, patient’s age and health, and availability of treatment options.
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What is Cancer Glossary of Cancer/Treatment Terms Types of scans to detect cancer
Common Types of Cancer*
Bladder Cancer Breast Cancer Colon Cancer Kidney (Renal Cell) Cancer Leukemia (adult) Leukemia (child)
Lung Cancer Melanoma Pancreatic Cancer Prostate Cancer Skin Cancer (Nonmelanoma) Thyroid Cancer
* Common Types of Cancer - cancers diagnosed with greatest frequency in the United States
What is Cancer Glossary of Cancer/Treatment Terms Types of scans to detect cancer
Common Types of Cancer*
Bladder Cancer Breast Cancer Colon Cancer Kidney (Renal Cell) Cancer Leukemia (adult) Leukemia (child)
Lung Cancer Melanoma Pancreatic Cancer Prostate Cancer Skin Cancer (Nonmelanoma) Thyroid Cancer
* Common Types of Cancer - cancers diagnosed with greatest frequency in the United States
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© Copyright 2015. Cancer Crisis Fund is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.
home | about us |get involved | donate | resources | contact us
© Copyright 2015. Cancer Crisis Fund is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.