The bladder is a hollow, muscular, balloon-like organ that collects and stores urine. It is in the lower part of the abdomen (the pelvis).
The cancer that begins inside the bladder is known as bladder cancer. A bladder is located in the center of the lower belly area and is responsible for holding and releasing urine. A large number of bladder cancers are transitional cell carcinomas. Adenocarcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas are considered as the other types of bladder cancer.
The development of bladder cancer is due to abnormal growth of cells in the bladder. These cells instead of dividing in an orderly way and develop mutations resulting them to grow out of control and not die. They then finally form a tumor.
The causes of bladder cancer are unknown and usually it is connected with radiation, smoking, chemical exposure and a parasitic infection.
Pelvic pain
Blood in the urine- here in this condition urine may look like cola colored, dark yellow or bright red or urine may look normal in color but blood can be seen while examining under the microscope.
Back pain
Frequent urination
Painful urination
Types of Bladder Cancer
Bladder cancer has been categorized into different types that include –
Carcinoma in Situ (CIS): Carcinoma in situ (CIS) is a type of non-invasive bladder cancer that grow very quickly. CIS looks like a red area in the bladder and if left untreated it can turn into invasive bladder cancer.
Papillary Bladder Cancer: This is considered as an early form of bladder cancer that looks similar to mushroom-like growths. A person can have both CIS and papillary cancer.
Transitional Cell Bladder Cancer (TCC): This is considered as the most common type of bladder cancer that begins in cells known as transitional cells in the lining of the bladder (urothelium). Urothelial carcinoma is the other name of this bladder cancer. This cancer is further categorized into two types –
Muscle Invasive Tumors: These tumors have spread right through the bladder wall or to the muscle layer of the bladder.
Superficial Tumors: These tumors are located either on the inner lining or below the inside bladder lining.
Adenocarcinomas and squamous cell cancer are considered as the rarer types of bladder cancer. Both of them are invasive bladder cancer. Adenocarcinomas begin from the glandular cells while squamous cell begins from other type of cell in the lining of the bladder.
The bladder cancer is diagnosed by performing cystourethroscopy (Cystoscopy) procedure for examining the lining of the bladder and urethra. The insertion of a small tube with a camera is done within the bladder through the urethra. A biopsy may also be performed if there is any presence of abnormal tissue.
A number of urine tests are also performed for those people who are suffering from bladder cancer symptoms. These tests include –
Urine Cytology: In this test, a urine sample is examined with the help of a microscope for viewing abnormal cells that shed from the lining of the bladder. Also these abnormal cells are further examined to know whether they are cancerous or not.
Urinalysis: This test makes use of a chemical dipstick that changes its color when there is a presence of some features in the urine like glucose, white blood cells and red blood cells. A microscope is also used for further examining the urine.
Imaging Tests: These tests may help in detecting any abnormalities or masses in the urethra, kidneys, ureters or bladder. These tests include –
Computed Tomography (CT) Scan: This test helps in examining the structure of the bladder, kidneys and ureters. It can also determine the blockage in the urinary tract and the extent of the cancer. It also determines the spread of the cancer outside the bladder. A contrast dye is required for performing CT scans.
Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP): The injection of a radiopaque dye is done into a vein. This collected dye is then excreted out by the kidneys. The presence of the masses is visible on x-ray as the dye advances into the urinary tract and bladder through the kidney.
A number of treatment options are available for bladder cancer that include –
Radiation Therapy: High-energy beams are used that are targeted at the cancer for destroying the cancer cells. This therapy makes use of a machine especially for the bladder cancer that moves around the body. This energy is then directed at the precise points with the help of this machine. This therapy can also be sued for destroying remaining cancer cells after surgery. It is also sometimes combined with chemotherapy.
Biological Therapy (Immunotherapy): This therapy works by signaling the immune system of the body to fight against cancer cells. This therapy is usually performed through the urethra and directly into the bladder. Certain drugs also used in biological therapy for treating bladder cancer.
Chemotherapy: This therapy involves the combination of two or more drugs for destroying cancer cells in the case of bladder cancer. These drugs can be directly given to the bladder by passing a tube through the urethra or can also be given through a vein in the arm. Chemotherapy is also sometimes combined with radiation therapy.
Surgery is recommended when the cancer is small and has not spread to the wall of the bladder. The two types of surgeries include –
Surgery for removing tumor and a part of the bladder: This surgery is known as segmental cystectomy where a part of the bladder is removed containing cancer cells. This surgery is beneficial when the cancer is limited to one specific area of the bladder that can be removed easily without causing any damage to the bladder function.
Surgery for removing tumor: The surgery for removing bladder cancers that are located in the inner layers of the bladder is known as transurethral resection (TUR). The surgical procedure is performed by passing a small wire loop through a cystoscope and into the bladder. The cancer cells are burned due to an electric current given by the loop.
Surgery for Invasive Bladder Cancer :
Following are the types of surgeries that are recommended when the cancer has spread into the deep layers of the bladder cancer that include –
Surgery for removing complete bladder: Radical cystectomy is the name given to this procedure in which the complete bladder along with nearby lymph nodes is removed. The removal of a part of the vagina, uterus or ovaries is done in the case of women. On the other hand, the removal of seminal vesicles and prostate is done in the case of men.
Surgery for creating a new way for urine to leave from the body : A new way is created for the urine to push out the urine. This new way is created immediately after the radical cystectomy. There are many options available that depends on the situation and on the patient’s preferences. A tube can be created by using a pieceof the intestine that runs from the kidneys to the outside of thebody. The urine then drains and gets collected into a pouch that a patient wears on his/her abdomen.
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