Understanding Bladder Cancer: Causes, Signs, and Ways to Treat It
Bladder cancer develops from uncontrolled growth of cells in the bladder lining, with risk factors like smoking, chemical exposure, and family history. Symptoms include blood in urine and pain, while treatments encompass surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy. Early detection is vital for effective management.
Bladder cancer occurs when abnormal growths develop in the inner lining cells of the urinary bladder, forming malignant tumors. These cancer cells can spread through the body’s bloodstream or lymphatic system, reaching bones, lungs, liver, kidneys, and lymph nodes, causing extensive damage. The tumor often appears as nodules or shrub-like structures. Types of bladder cancer vary, including urothelial carcinoma, which is the most common, as well as invasive, non-invasive, flat carcinoma, papillary carcinoma, and others, each with distinct characteristics.
Factors contributing to bladder cancer include smoking, chemical exposure, prior radiation treatments, chronic bladder irritation, parasitic infections, aging, gender, and race. People working in industries with toxic chemicals, those with family history, or with prolonged catheter use are at higher risk.
Symptoms often involve blood in urine, pain during urination, abdominal or back discomfort, frequent urination, and a persistent feeling of bladder fullness. Diagnosis may involve imaging and biopsy. Treatments can include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, and bladder reconstruction, depending on the severity and stage of the disease.
