What Is Bladder Cancer? Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention

Bladder cancer is a type of cancer that forms in the cells lining the inside of the bladder. It is often detected at an early stage, and early treatment can lead to successful outcomes. In this article, we’ll explore the symptoms, causes, treatment methods, and ways to prevent bladder cancer.

What Is Bladder Cancer?

Bladder cancer begins in the lining of the bladder—a small, hollow, triangle-shaped organ located between the hip bones that stores urine coming from the kidneys. The bladder wall is lined with a layer of cells called the urothelium, which can stretch and contract as the bladder fills and empties. Bladder cancer develops when these cells undergo mutations and begin to grow uncontrollably, forming a tumor.

If left untreated, the cancer can invade deeper layers of the bladder wall and spread to nearby lymph nodes, bones, lungs, or liver.

What Causes Bladder Cancer?

While the exact causes of bladder cancer are not fully understood, several risk factors can contribute to its development:

• Smoking: Tobacco use is the most significant risk factor. Harmful chemicals in cigarette smoke can enter the urine and damage the bladder lining.
• Chemical Exposure: Long-term exposure to harmful substances—especially in industries like dye, rubber, or chemical manufacturing—can irritate bladder tissue.
• Chronic Urinary Tract Infections: Ongoing infections can lead to cellular changes in the bladder lining.
• Radiation Exposure: Pelvic radiation therapy increases the risk of bladder cancer.
• Genetic Predisposition: A family history of bladder cancer may increase risk.
• Age and Gender: It is more common in people over the age of 55 and occurs more frequently in men than in women.
• Bladder Stones and Other Conditions: Long-standing bladder stones or parasitic infections can also elevate the risk.
• Certain Drugs and Chemicals: Drugs like cyclophosphamide and exposure to arsenic may increase cancer risk.

What Are the Symptoms of Bladder Cancer?

Bladder cancer symptoms can sometimes resemble those of urinary tract infections or other bladder disorders. If you experience any of the following, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional:

• Pain or burning during urination (dysuria): Discomfort or burning sensation when starting or finishing urination. Men may also feel pain in the penis.
• Frequent urination: Needing to urinate more often than usual.
• Difficulty urinating: Weak urine stream, interrupted flow, or feeling unable to fully empty the bladder.
• Visible blood in urine (hematuria): Urine that appears pink, red, or brown. Sometimes, blood is only detectable through lab tests (microscopic hematuria).
• Chronic bladder infections: Recurring or persistent bladder infections that don’t resolve with treatment.

These symptoms may also be caused by other conditions, but it’s crucial to seek medical attention for accurate diagnosis.

How Is Bladder Cancer Treated?

Treatment depends on the cancer’s stage, type, and the patient’s overall health. Often, a combination of treatment methods is used. Common treatment approaches include:

Surgical Treatments

• Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor (TURBT): Suitable for early-stage bladder cancer. The tumor is removed or destroyed using high-energy electrical current (fulguration).
• Radical Cystectomy: The entire bladder is removed if the cancer has spread beyond the bladder or involves multiple tumors. In men, this may include removal of the prostate and seminal vesicles; in women, the uterus, ovaries, and part of the vagina may also be removed.
• Urinary Diversion: An alternative way to expel urine is created if the bladder is removed.

Surgical treatments are often followed by adjuvant therapies like chemotherapy or radiation to destroy remaining cancer cells.

Chemotherapy

• Systemic Chemotherapy: Anti-cancer drugs administered orally or intravenously to kill cancer cells.
• Intravesical Chemotherapy: Medication is delivered directly into the bladder via a catheter to target cancer cells locally, minimizing damage to healthy tissue.

Immunotherapy

• BCG Therapy: Bacillus Calmette-Guérin is administered directly into the bladder to stimulate the immune system.
• Checkpoint Inhibitors (PD-1/PD-L1): These drugs remove barriers that prevent immune cells (T-cells) from attacking cancer cells.

Radiation Therapy

High-energy beams are used to prevent tumor growth and spread. It may be used as an alternative to surgery or in combination with TURBT and chemotherapy, particularly when surgery is not feasible.

The most appropriate treatment plan should be tailored by a physician based on the individual patient’s condition. Regular follow-up during treatment is vital for monitoring progress and detecting recurrences.

How Can Bladder Cancer Be Prevented?

While it’s not always possible to prevent bladder cancer entirely, you can reduce your risk by addressing known risk factors:

• Avoid Harmful Chemicals: Individuals working in industries like dye, textile, rubber, leather, or hairdressing should use proper protective equipment to reduce chemical exposure.
• Quit Smoking: Smoking is a major risk factor. Quitting significantly lowers the risk. Also, avoid exposure to secondhand smoke.
• Maintain Urinary Tract Health: Treat recurring bladder infections, stones, or other urinary conditions promptly to reduce cancer risk.
• Be Cautious During Cancer Treatments: Patients receiving pelvic radiation or certain chemotherapy drugs should have regular medical check-ups to monitor for side effects.
• Routine Screening for High-Risk Individuals: People with a history of bladder cancer should undergo regular check-ups to detect potential recurrences early.

Adopting a healthy lifestyle, avoiding risk factors, and undergoing routine medical check-ups can help in reducing the likelihood of developing bladder cancer.