General Information

What is Bladder Cancer?

Bladder cancer involves the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the bladder. It can manifest as either non-muscle-invasive or muscle-invasive, depending on whether it has spread to the bladder muscle.

Causes of Bladder Cancer:

• Smoking: Nearly one-third of bladder cancer cases are linked to smoking.
• Chemical Exposure: Arsenic and chemicals used in the manufacture of dyes, rubber, leather, textiles, and paint have been linked to bladder cancer.
• Genetics: Certain genetic factors may increase the risk.
• Infections: Some types of infections are associated with bladder cancer.

Symptoms of Bladder Cancer:

• Hematuria (blood in the urine)
• Lower back discomfort
• Painful urination
• Frequent urination

Diagnosis

Bladder cancer is usually diagnosed at an early stage due to symptoms like hematuria, which often prompt individuals to seek medical attention.

Diagnostic tests may include:

• Urinalysis: To detect blood in the urine.
• Cystoscopy: A procedure that allows the doctor to view the inside of the bladder.
• Biopsy: Taking a small sample of bladder tissue for examination.
• Imaging Tests: Such as CT scans or MRIs to assess the extent of the cancer.

Treatment

Treatment options for bladder cancer depend on the stage and severity of the cancer and may include:

Non-Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer

• Transurethral Resection of the Bladder Tumor (TURBT): A procedure to remove cancerous cells from the bladder lining. This is done under anesthesia at the hospital.
• Intravesical Chemotherapy: A chemotherapy delivered directly into the bladder to prevent recurrence (cancer coming back).
• BCG Therapy: An immunotherapy delivered directly into the bladder to prevent recurrence (cancer coming back) and progression (from non-invasive to muscle-invasive).

Intravesical chemotherapy and BCG can cause bladder irritation, frequent urge to urinate, blood in the urine, and rarely UTI.

Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer:

• Cystectomy: Surgical removal of the bladder.
• Chemotherapy: Often used before or after surgery to kill cancer cells.
• Radiation Therapy: Used to destroy cancer cells, sometimes in combination with chemotherapy.